Fears of the rioting and public looting grew during the spring of 1935. Businesses were quick to offer a solution-insure your property against public anger and unrest.

Credit: The Evening Telegram, May 13, 1935.

In 1933, there were reports of people starving in many parts of Newfoundland. Some merchants would not supply men for the fishery. They were afraid they would not be paid back. But the government tried to cut the dole in the fishing season. Each side wanted the other to be responsible for food and other supplies. This meant that some people could not look to either source for help. This is one reason for the reports of people starving.

One thing was clear by this time. The situation in Newfoundland was out of control.

During this time, a British Commission (called the Amulree Commission) was looking at Newfoundland. Its job was to advise on how Newfoundland should be run in the near future. In 1933, there were many ideas about this. Some people thought that Newfoundland needed a dictator. Some thought that people on the dole should not be allowed to vote.