CHEAPER FISH.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 29, 4 February 1928, Page 7

CHEAPER FISH.

WELUNGTONIANS' WINDFALL. RESULT OF MINISTERIAL EFFORT. Partly a« ih<» result of departmental negotiations with those engaged in the fish trade, the price of fish in Wellington lias been reduced as from February 1. In the course of a r-tatemen» prepared for publication by the M,ni<ler of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. A. D. McLeodi. the Minister referred in some detail to the fish-supply system in Wellington, pointing out that niarket irregularities were caused by rough weather in the various supplying centres. In consequence of the resulting fluctuations in price, an endeavour was made to steady the quantity available bv freezing. but this resulted in deterioration. Smoking was also adopted. Evidence showed, however, that treatment of the li~h in these vVays caused appreciable increases in the market price. In regard to the point as to whether there was any combination amongst wholesalers and retailers to maintain fixed selling prices, the Minister stated that the evidence showed that there, was financial interlocking and control in regard to both the purchase of fish and selling prices, and that it was clear that the public would benefit by a greater clement of competition. At the same time, while profits in some business had been distinctly liigh, and had no doubt been influenced by combination in tlie trade, those high profits appeared to some extent to be due to the careful and well-informed management of men who had been engaged in the trade for many years. "hollowing llie investigation of the industry.' added the Minister, "the Department has had several meetings with interested parties, and these meetings have resulted in the whole position being reviewed. A general price reduction lias Weil made a- from February 1. This position, it is considered, can be mainIt<.ined1 t<.ined only if the pnbl:c now show their appreciation of the reductions made liy biniiig more li-h. and if the supplies are not unduly interfered with bv bad w eal her."'