296 State Papers and Addresses

prams, which, if it receives legislative sanction in the two States, will provide
for an extensive advertising effort to promote the sale of Chesapeake oysters.

A particular effort has been made to establish close contact between the
Commission and the various elements in the industry by frequent meetings and
conferences in order, on the part of the Commission, to increase its understand-
ing of the various problems involved, and to promote on the part of the industry,
a greater degree of confidence in and support of the work of the Commission.

Numerous conferences have been held with the Virginia Conservation
Commission and the representatives of the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service looking to the development of a comprehensive joint program between
the States of Maryland and Virginia for the restoration of depleted Chesapeake
Bay resources.

The efforts of the Commission during the remainder of its term of office
will be continued along the lines upon which it has been working. During this
period, it is hoped to improve the administrative program and to develop
greater efficiency and effectiveness in the law enforcement personnel.

It is hoped to make the best possible use of the Chesapeake Biological
Laboratory and its staff in ascertaining and developing the facts upon which to
base further legislative recommendations and administrative actions, in the
belief that though much valuable research has been accomplished bearing on
the problems of the Conservation Department, there is a definite need for a
continuing and broadened program of fact-finding.

It is hoped that means may be found to inaugurate a considerably enlarged
program of public education with respect to our natural resources and their
effective conservation.

Bearing in mind that this constitutes a report with specific reference to
the developments from and since the passage of legislation in 1939, it would
be an omission to neglect reference to the referendum upon Chapter 353, the
proposed law creating a new set-up for the commercial fisheries. This measure
was submitted to the voters and was defeated.

After the election, I appointed a Commission consisting of William F.
Schluderberg, J. D. Steele, Lloyd Riggin, Ellsworth Leary, Thomas Roy Brookes,
Robert H. Archer, Mrs. Bartlett Johnston, Merle E. Towner, H. Lee Hoffman,
Dr. Reginald V. Truitt, Herman Woodfield and J. Wesley Kelly, which Com-
mission is now engaged in studying this entire matter, the report and recom-
mendation of which will be submitted to you for your decision. It would seem
to be deferential to the committee for me to await its findings. I do, however,
earnestly suggest that, in deciding upon the future course of conversation in
the State, we lay aside pre-conceived notions and any sectional or political
viewpoints and be guided by what is best for the future of our State.

The General Assembly of 1939 created the Maryland State Game and In-
land Fish Commission and I appointed the following members: Garner Wood
Denmead, Chairman; James H. Gambrill, Jr., Vice-Chairman; A. Gordon Fleet,
S. Scott Beck, Jr., and Fulcher P. Smith.

In addition to the propagation and protection of game birds and game
animals, the propagation and protection of fresh water fish was placed under
the supervision of the new Commission June 1, 1939. It is felt that in the past