Liverpool this season, she is only 78 tons, and accomplished the voyage in exactly fifteen days, having sailed from New London on the 10th of October.

(Islander, December 15, 1865) ”

“The Bell’s including James, William, Benjamin, David and George either individually, or jointly launched 14 vessels in the period 1842—1888. Again it was the transfer trade that prompted their involvement, and they sold half of their vessels under contract for non—resident builders including James Peake.”

“Slightly less productive were the MacKay’s. Hugh, Donald, George and John launched nine vessels between 1862 and 1872 either together or with other investors. They sent three schooners and three brigantines to the United Kingdom. Similarly, James and William Simpson of Cavendish built eight vessels between 1837 and 1854. Although listed as being built in Cavendish, the apparent lack of a convenient location would suggest that they were built within New London Bay. The Simpsons first venture in 1837 was the schooner HOPE, 108 tons, which was sold the following year in Newfoundland. Most of their other vessels were transferred to the United Kingdom shortly after being completed. Despite the activity by these fami— lies, the majority of new vessel construction was financed by those who

invested sporadically.”4

Mr. Dougald Henry’s narration as recorded in 1904 by Mr. Hedley Ross informs us that the Simpson shipyard was located in Cavendish during the 1840—1845 period at least.

“In many ways the evolution of shipbuilding around New London Bay was representative of the industry throughout the Island. Despite the harbour’s limited access, local shipbuilders made a significant contribution to the Island’s total output. Their effective response to the demand for new tonnage in both the Newfoundland, and more particularly the British markets, meant that shipbuilding became a steady and reliable component of the economy.”

“Particularly important were the foundations laid in the 1840’s and 1850’s which allowed New London shipbuilders to take advantage of the industry’s unprecedented expansion in the 1860’s. Similar to other locations, the indus-

a”

try declined rapidly in the 1870 s.

“Despite these similarities, shipbuilding at New London Bay differed in respect to other areas on the Island’s North side. Most apparent is the relative— ly small impact made by non-resident investors. Local builders were clearly successful in establishing, and maintaining contacts with agents in the United Kingdom. This factor and the quality of their vessels gave them continuous access to that market. Local residents tended to operate independently from Charlottetown merchants, although they did build a modest number of vessels for them under contract. As a result, local shipbuilding was not unduly affect— ed by the whims of non-resident investors, and overall production was not severely curtailed when any individual terminated his involvement in the

area.”

“The longevity of shipbuilding in New London may be attributed to two fac— tors. Firstly, the intense activity in the Rustico Bay area, particularly in the first part of the nineteenth century, reduced timber stocks and consequently

41bid. l4