TO FISH FOR TUNA

Press, Volume C, Issue 29623, 20 September 1961, Page 14

TO FISH FOR TUNA

Cannery Firm Buys Boat (N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, Sept. 19. J. Wattie Canneries, Ltd., has bought the Bluff crayfishing vessel Olwyn with a view to investigating and establishing a New Zealand tuna fishing industry based on Gisborne. The managing-director of the company (Mr J. Wattie) said today that the company had engaged an American tuna fishing expert, who with a New Zealand crew, would try for tuna off the coast of the North Island. While the 57ft Olwyn was smaller than Japanese vessels and not ideal for tuna fishing it was the best available, and could be adapted for the experimental operations. If the investigations were successful, said Mr Wattie, the company intended to approach the Government for licences, and if it was war-, ranted, larger and more suitable boats could be used. “The main thing is that somebody at last is getting started in the tuna industry," he said. "My company has made four attempts to import tuna caught by Japanese vessels, but on each occasion has been turned down. So now we intend to use this vessel to see if the industry is practicable and worth-while for New Zealand."

The company has ordered special equipment from the United States and Australia for use in the Olwyn.

Mr Wattie said it was not known when operations would begin. “There are a few loose ends to be tied up, but we don’t intend to waste any time. New Zealand is the only country bordering the Pacific without a tuna industry.”