Scarborough fishermens relief fund November 1869

During the severe gales that occurred on the North-East coast in October, a serious loss of life and of property has been sustained to an almost unprecedented extent. No less than 31 men and boys engaged in the hazardous occupation of fishing have been drowned, having left 16 widows and 23 fatherless children, who are thus entirely deprived of the means of support; some of them being also in a condition that renders their suffering peculiarly distressing. In addition to the entire loss with all hands of three vessels, a fleet of fifty five sail belonging to Scarborough were out at sea during the severe gales, every one of which lost their nets, of the estimated value of about £15,000.

Many of these nets (to the estimated value of £5,500) were the property of the poorest fishermen, who are entirely unable to replace them, and are thus deprived of the means of obtaining a livlihood for their families. So serious a loss of life and property has never occurred in one gale in the memory of the oldest inhabitant.

Under these circumstances an appeal is earnestly made to a humane public, and especially to those who are accustomed to visit Scarborough, for assistance; first in relieving the bitter distress of so large a number of widows and orphans, whose mental and bodily sufferings it is impossible to describe; and, secondly, to enable those whose lives an honourable and honest living for those numerous families who are dependent upon them for their bread; and without which assistance many of them must either take refuge in the workhouse, or be dependent for themselves and their children on a not too liberal parish allowance.

A large public meeting convened by the Mayor has been held and a committee appointed, consisting of the Mayor as Chairman, John Woodall, Esq, Old Bank, Treasurer; and all subscribers of £5 and upwards, by whom subscriptions are earnestly solicited.

JJP Moody, Town Clerk and SAS Fisher (Hon. Secretaries)

Sources
- Fishermens relief fund, Green Bound Pamphlet, Scarborough Library 1869.


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