Legal Definitions - water bayley

Definition: Water Bayley (bay-lee) is a historical officer mentioned in the colony laws of New Plymouth in A.D. 1671. Their primary duty was to collect dues for fish taken out of the colony's waters.

Example: In the 17th century, the Water Bayley was responsible for ensuring that fishermen paid the required fees for catching fish in the colony's waters. They would patrol the waters and collect the dues from the fishermen.

Explanation: The Water Bayley was an important officer in the colony of New Plymouth as they helped to regulate the fishing industry and ensure that the colony received the necessary revenue from the fish caught in its waters. The example illustrates how the Water Bayley would carry out their duties by collecting fees from fishermen who caught fish in the colony's waters.