Another says, “there is another great occasion of disorder, which always stores up large stock of complaints, to perplex us upon our arrival—the neglect of deputing some body to maintain order in the winter, or the want of power rather to depute some body for that purpose; so that the winter season is a sort of respite from all observance of law or government. At that time, theft, murder, rapes, or disorders of any kind whatsoever, may be committed, and most of them are committed without controul, and time enough given for the offender to make off: for should any one concern himself to secure the party, his design would be withstood, as an usurped authority; and most would take part with the offender, to suppress the usurpation, without regard what became of the criminal, or what may be the consequence of the crime; and I have been acquainted with some cases of this kind: so that there seems an absolute necessity, that this particular should be provided for, that people may always have somebody to apply to for justice; that somebody may always be at hand to suppress disorder and riot, and to have a lawful power to command the assistance of his majesty’s subjects in the execution of a duty exercised for the public good. _St. John’s_ is the metropolis of the island, and the discipline which is kept up there, whether bad or good, will have a great influence upon all the rest of the harbours. If good order could be established here, it might easily be effected in all other places; and I do not know any thing that tends more to confusion, and proves more prejudicial to the fishery, than that irregularity.” After having spoken of the oppression from debts, the imposition in prices, the seizing for payment, and the like, he goes on—“It is likewise necessary to acquaint their lordships, that although it is reasonable for them to believe, that the authority given by the statute to the admirals of harbours, is sufficient to secure them peace and quietness, and to prevent any disturbances that may happen, to the detriment of the fishery, yet the experience of any one that has but once known this trade, will affirm, that was it not for the yearly expectation of a ship of war coming among them, the power of their admirals would be of little regard; so that one may modestly affirm, they only commence regulation upon the arrival of any of his majesty’s ships, and lay it down the moment they are gone; upon which account several go and come with the trade, which charge, I believe, they would gladly be freed from, could they be secure of good order in the winter[40].”