FISHING INDUSTRY

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21974, 24 December 1936, Page 7

FISHING INDUSTRY

GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKES OVERHAUL INTEREST OF OVERSEAS CAPITAL "There are proposals before us for the investment of huge sums in the fishing industry," said the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister for Industries and Commerce, in an interview yesterday. "Other countries, Japan for instance, have gone a long way in the development of the industry in their waters and even have floating canneries. Fishing has developed into a great industry, and an overhaul of the system of operations in New Zealand is being undertaken." The Minister said that the fishing industry was one of those coming immediately under the industrial efficiency scheme. He indicated considerable scope for the improvement of methods of fishing, and of facilities for those engaged in it. Proposals had been made from Australia for the investment of a large sum, but there were many factors to be considered. Some of the points under review were the protection of fishing fields from over-explostation, and the conservation of supplies thereby, the organisation of overseas marketing, and the provision of better, more up-to-date equipment. The development of the canning industry was proposed by overseas interests, the Minister said. It seemed that licensing might be necessary in the scheme of reorganisation. There was a general opinion that it would be, but his department had not yet determined its opinion in the matter.