it could not be supposed such a favourable provision, in this instance, would be made for them, when they were discountenanced in every other clause of the act; especially too against the right and interest of the crown, which, in all doubtful cases, must be preferred[32]. [Sidenote: Representation 1728.] The letter to the mayors of the western towns produced only two answers; one of which consisted of a complaint against _Colonel Gledhill_, the lieutenant governor of _Placentia_, for encroaching upon the fishing rooms, engaging in the fishery, and using his power in an illegal and arbitrary manner; the other complained of the illicit trade of the _New England men_. Not the least advice was given as to any mode of correcting irregularities, nor was any thing said as to the want of order, and good government. The board were, therefore, left to take such course as they in their wisdom should think proper. They accordingly proceeded on such evidence as they had, and drew up a representation to his majesty, dated the 20th of December 1728. In which they declare, “That the want of sufficient power in the commodore for enforcing the act of parliament, and the general contempt, into which the authority vested in the fishing admirals had fallen, had reduced the fishery to a very bad condition; and, unless proper remedies were applied, in all probability we should entirely be deprived of the advantages derived by the nation from this trade.” They then go over the abuses and irregularities so often complained of; the increase of bye boat-keepers, the settling of persons in the island, the enticing away of seamen, and fishermen by the _New Englanders_, who also carried on an illicit trade; the disorders of the garrison at _Placentia_; the clashing interests of the adventurers and the planters; and the inefficacy of Stat. 10 & 11 Will. 3. They remind his majesty of their representations of the 2d of March 1715-16, and especially of that of the 16th of December 1718, and the _heads of a bill_ annexed to the latter. They submit that so much of that, as may be thought proper, may be proposed to parliament immediately; they judging that an _intire remedy_ for the evils complained of, could not be effected, without the assistance of the legislature. [Sidenote: Recommends civil government.]