UNSATISFACTORY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 270, 13 November 1937, Page 12

UNSATISFACTORY.

FISHING INDUSTRY.

i DIFFICULTIES STATED.

AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. The shortage of fish supplies in New Zealand waters was mentioned in the House of Representatives to-day when the Marine Department estimates were under consideration.

The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Hamilton, said that if it were true that supplies were being depleted it was a serious matter, and he would like to know what evidence wae before the Minister on the point.

The Minister of Marine, Mr. Fraser, said that the fishing industry was in 1 an unsatisfactory and precarious position. Fishermen were not making a living, and these men were risking their lives in a difficult and hazardous occupation. At the same time prices for fish were going up. There was also difficulty with the Australian market, difficulty that still existed. The troubles with fishing were not easy, but before the Government could really hope to do anything, it had to get at the facts.

One of the first things necessary was to strengthen the personnel of the Fisheries Department. That had been done. Also the whole question had been investigated by the Fisheries Committee, which had done excellent work. Its report would be available shortly, and the Minister hoped they could do something to put the tishing industry on a permanently satisfactory basis.

Mr. W. A. Bodkin (National, Central Otago) suggested that there should be a survey of the toheroa beds. He had been informed that supplies of this important shellfish were being depleted. Mr. A. Campbell (Government, Chalmers) recommended to the Government's attention an oyster bed off Otago Heads, which he said could supply a better class of oyster than Bluff.

Mr. W. P. Endean (National, Parnell) mentioned the difficulty with Australia in the Ashing business, and said that it was not fair that Australian vessels should come to New Zealand waters and practically poach fish when supplies were not plentiful. He asked whether something could be done to extend the three-mile limit.

The Minister said that was being explored, but there were legal questions involved, and, moreover, the Dominion worked in with Britain.