N.Z. FISHING INDUSTRY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30288, 14 November 1963, Page 18

N.Z. FISHING INDUSTRY

Govt’s Plans “Milestone”

(From Our Own Reporter) TIMARU, Nov. 13. The establishment of the fishing industry board would be a milestone in the development of the industry, and the Government planned to encourage further substantial expansion, Mr M. J. O’Reilly, the National Party candidate for Timaru, told 45 persons at the Waimataitai School this evening. More constructive action had been taken to assist the industry in the last three years than ever before, and the Minister of Marine (Mr Gerard) was to be congratulated, he said. Taxation incentives would be given to fish exporters, and finance would be made available for worth-while projects, including boats and gear where private lending sources were not available. “The Government will continue to increase research, and plan a thorough survey of fishing grounds. A deepwater research vessel is planned to begin operation by 1966,” said Mr O'Reilly. "Timaru Must Profit" These measures would result in increased employment and higher export earnings. Timaru, the second most important fishing port in New Zealand, must profit from the National Party’s sound policy. In the field of employment and industrial relations, the Government had an enviable record of success.

“It has maintained full employment. upheld the principles of conciliation and arbitration, restored the option of voluntary unionism, and improved workers' compensation insurance. “The Labour Party candidate for Timaru had accused the Government of being too soft in its protest against the French nuclear test.” Mr O’Reilly added. “This is nonsense. New Zealand’s objections were so strong that France claimed that the Government was endangering friendly relations between the two countries. No velvetgloved protest brings forth that reaction. “Tests Opposed” “The National Party is strongly opposed to further nuclear testing and has, as the Government, opposed them in United Nations debates and through diplomatic channels,” Mr O’Reilly added. H e said that proposals for a trade embargo on France would fall as flat as the economic sanctions against Italy before World War 11, and the efforts to force South Africa into changing her racial policies. Mr O’Reilly said that if Communist China was admitted to the United Nations, the whole idea it stood for would become a farce and a mockery. “There is no room within an organisation for someone bent on wrecking it,” he said.