THE SUPPLY OF FISH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 179, 28 July 1917, Page 6

THE SUPPLY OF FISH.

RETAILERS' GRIEVANCES. As the outcome of a meeting of fish retailers held on Wednesday last a deputation waited on the Mayor (Mr. J. 11. Gunson) yesterday afternoon to make a statement expressing dissatisfaction with certain matters connected with the City Fish Market. The deputation consisted of Messrs. S. Green, X. Clegg and C. F. Douglas. Mr. Green said that the retailers were not being fairly treated. Although 200 baskets of fish had arrived on Monday, and another quantity of Tuesday, they had been refused supplies on both these days. They were told that the. price had increased 25 per cent, bringing the cost of a basket up to 12/0, but even if they had been prepared to pay such an exorbitant price supplies would not have been obtainable. He suggested that all fish should be sold by auction. Other speakers urged that 'when a catch came it should be shared among retailere. Mr. Gunson, in replying, said that the allegation made by retailers that the City Council had pushed the small boats out of the trade, and that the Council had previously made a profit of thousands of pounds, was contrary to fact. The Council had come into the business to help tho retailers. T/ho Fish Market accounts had always been in debit, but the position was now improving. Every effort would be made to remove the grievances mentioned. On the Mayor's suggestion the deputation agreed to meet the Fish Markets Committee on Tuesday uext to discuss the matter further.