OUR FISHERIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 250, 21 October 1924, Page 11

OUR FISHERIES.

ENGAGING AN EXPERT. "THE BUSINESS END." (T.j- Telegrapli.—Special to "Star.''). WELLINGTON, Monday. Following a question by Mr. V. H. Potter in the House of Representatives, the Hon. G. J. Anderson, Minister of » Marine, stated that the Government, .through the High ' Commissioner, has invited applications for a fisheries expert to come to New Zealand for 18 months or two years, primarily to investigate our fisheries and report. It is hoped to obtain a man of scientific qualifications, and experience in practical fishing, in marketing, canning, and in the manufacture of fish by-products. It is not intended to retire Mr. Ayson in the ( immediate future. His past services are fully, appreciated by the Government. Mr. F. F. Hockly (Rotorua) pointed out that apparently tlie Government ■wanted a scientist, and a business man combined. It would be very difficult to get such a combination. To send Home for a man who might have knowledge of fisheries at■ Home, but could have.no knowledge of' fishery " science in this country, and who would have to be educated by our own 'fishery expert, was tackling the matter from the wrong standpoint altogether. Mr. T. M. Wilford: It is over the odds. Mr. Hockly said the better way Would lie to' select one of our young New Zea landers, who have, been associated wit J-the Marine -Department, and 'proved • themselves' through years of experience to be very excellent men, who know practically everything to be known about the fisheries of this country. The New Zealander selected could be sent- Home to learn the business end of the stick. The present proposal was to retain Mr. Ayson to coach the new man in his job. The new man was to I he imported at. .£7-50 a year, while the ! Master who was to teach him his work s was to fret £575. It was quite unfair to expect a man in Mr. Ayson's position to teach the "new man, while receiving less salary himself.