Trade with Newfoundland

 During the first half of the 19th Century a considerable trade with Newfoundland was carried on in the town, a sub depot was housed in the premises now occupied by Messrs Barnett where, in the room which formed the office, I am told there may still be seen traces of the transactions of that busy time.  The chief depot was established at Poole between which seaport and Sturminster. there passed a steady stream of traffic.  (See mentions of the old ‘Road Wagon on Page 4).

The exports from our town were warm clothing, boots, gloves and other necessaries for the men engaged in the arduous labours of the distant fishing fleet.  The imports consisted of large quantities of codfish, salted and dried, barrels of caplin, a small dried fish of a peculiar flavour and cranberries in small wooden kegs.  The latter formed a most useful fruit for winter use, they were very juicy and tender, much superior to the tough, thick-skinned variety which is now the only kind available.

In addition the exported goods (which were produced locally) there went yearly a number of men and lads who had signed on for service in the fishing fleet of the colony.  These recruits were subject to many hardships in the course of their unaccustomed employment, but the adventure was welcomed by many when work was scarce and wages were low.  As winter drew near the men whose time had expired would return to Sturminster for a stay of some months.  They invariably looked strong and healthy as if their fishing labours had done them good.  But they must have felt a keen satisfaction at having exchanged their many stormy crossings for the greenery and peace of their native country.

 We beheld them rolling, with exaggerated nautical bearing, garbed in the thickest woollen jerseys, and trousers of such solidity that the garments were believed to be capable of standing upright of themselves, without any supporting legs therein.

I cannot remember seeing any of such returned seafarers after 1877 so that, probably, Newfoundland had managed to dispense with their services.

 

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