The reduction of the tariff in 1912 and the trade and business depression affected the revenue of the Colony, which, for the first time for several years, was below the expenditure by $301,849.
At the outbreak of the war a feeling of uncertainty and distinct uneasiness was manifested among all sections of the community, especially as to the probable effect on trade, and more particularly with regard to the fish markets; but by the close of the year Newfoundland had—so far—not suffered to any great extent. At first the most serious problems were those of exchange and war risk insurance, and for a time these caused considerable anxiety. These difficulties, however, were overcome by the statesmanlike action of the Home Government, with the result that confidence was restored and the prices of the Colony's chief export, codfish, rose from the low figure of about $5.00 to its present unprecedented figure of 7.50 per quintal (112 lb.).
The increased cost of imports was heavy. This especially applies to food stuffs, such as flour, which was comparatively cheap early in the year, and the increased price of this commodity alone cost the people of the colony nearly $250,000.
The following comparative statement shows the falling off in the Colony's productiveness, due largely to the abnormal ice conditions in the early part of the year. Fortunately the enhanced prices helped to make up to some extent for the shortages.
| 1914. | 1913. | |
|---|---|---|
| Cod-fishery, quintals | 1,265,565 | 1,408,582 |
| Seal-fishery, seals | 233,719 | 272,965 |
| Lobster pack, cases | 11,017 | 16,565 |
| Canned Salmon, cases | 1,492 | 2,995 |
| Whale Fishery, whales | 168 | 222 |
| Herrings, salt and frozen, barrels | 78,923 | 68,432 |
| Iron Ore exports—tons | 1,245,797 | 1,243,200 |
| Pulp exports— " | 51,605 | 51,487 |
| Paper " " | 40,077 | 44,424 |
The values of the products exported were:—
| Fishery | $10,907,677 | |
| Agriculture | 23,702 | |
| Forests | 315,430 | |
| Mines | 1,551,803 | |
| Manufactures | 2,183,611 | |
| Miscellaneous | 152,320 | |
| Total, 1913-14 | $15,134,543 | |
| The debt of the Colony was | $30,450,765, | as against |
| $29,470,060 | at the close of 1913. | |
| The public Revenue | $3,618,329. | |
| Expenditure | $3,920,178. |
The imports and exports were respectively as follows:—
| Countries. | Value of Imports. | Value of Exports. |
|---|---|---|
| $ | $ | |
| United Kingdom | 3,826,529 | 3,256,446 |
| Dominion of Canada | 4,861,047 | 1,971,809 |
| Other British Possessions | 331,415 | 549,418 |
| United States | 5,796,906 | 1,679,362 |
| Portugal | 19,970 | 888,930 |
| Brazil | 31 | 3,240,487 |
| Spain | 113,541 | 1,260,649 |
| Other Countries | 244,287 | 2,287,442 |
| Totals 1913-14 | $15,193,726 | $15,134,543 |
| " 1912-13 | 16,012,365 | 14,672,889 |
The shore fishery was about 150,000 quintals less than that of 1913 (which was also below the average). The Bank fishery showed a shortage of about 28.00 quintals, and it is estimated that the Labrador fishery was slightly in excess of the catch of 1913.