It had become a doubt, whether that part of the island, lately ceded by the French, was subject to the provisions of Stat. 10 & 11 Will. 3. This point was brought forward, in consequence of the lieutenant-governor of the garrison at _Placentia_, and some of the French planters having, on leaving the place, disposed of their plantations for money, and, in this manner, attempted to convey a right and property, which was not recognised by the general usage of the island, as confirmed by that statute. This matter was brought before the board of trade, and their lordships were of opinion, that Stat. 10 & 11 Will. 3. extended to the ceded lands, and that all the beaches, and plantations there, ought to be left to the public use, and be disposed of, as directed by that act[18]. Instructions to that effect were accordingly given to the lieutenant-governor of _Placentia_[19]. Among the proposals and suggestions for improving the trade of Newfoundland, some papers from _Mr. Campbell_, in the year 1714 are deserving of notice[20]. The Newfoundland trade was taken up by the government in the year 1715, as an object of important consideration. _Captain Kempthorn_, then on that station, was specially charged to make enquiry, and report every information he could acquire; and I find a very long letter written by him to the secretary of the admiralty, and transmitted from thence to the board of trade. This letter is very full, and was submitted by the board to the king’s government, as containing suggestions highly deserving consideration[21]. The board were now satisfied that some new regulation ought to be made by parliament; and preparatory thereto, they resolved to write to the towns in the west, concerned in this trade, desiring them to furnish such information as they possessed upon a subject where they had so much experience[22]. They also laid a case before the attorney general, _Sir Edward Northey_, for his opinion on the defects of Stat. 10 & 11 Will. 3. and he was of opinion, that it would be necessary, in order to oblige the observation of the rules contained in that statute, for a new act to be passed, inflicting _penalties_ for not observing the same, and directing how and where such penalties should be paid; and he thought that a proclamation, requiring the observance of those rules (as was before proposed) would have no effect[23]. On this occasion. _Mr. Taverner_ suggested his remarks, and gave a sketch of a bill[24]. After the board had derived the information that was to be obtained from the different sources, where they had applied, they drew up a long _representation_ to his majesty, dated the 2d of March 1715-6 containing their opinion upon the abuses, suggesting the remedies that would be proper to be applied[25], and recommending that a bill should be proposed to parliament for giving effect to the suggestions there made. [Sidenote: Representation 1718.]