N.Z. Fishermen Will Be Shown Japanese Methods

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30365, 14 February 1964, Page 10

N.Z. Fishermen Will Be Shown Japanese Methods

(New Zealand Press Association)

TIMARU, February 13. Two Japanese fishing experts will visit Timaru toward the end of this month to make a preliminary survey in preparation for a four-day demonstration of methods and equipment to be given by three of their countrymen in March or April. The visits by the Japanese this month and in MarchApril will be the culmination of efforts by the development sub-committee of the New Zealand Wholesale Fish Merchants’ Association to arrange demonstrations of techniques and new equipment at both Tauranga and Timaru.

Today, the manager of the Timaru Fishing Company, Mr R. S. Morris, who is a member of the sub-committee, said the two technicians due this month would make a brief study of the fishing areas and sea currents off the Canterbury coast, and investigate the manner in which the Timaru vessels could be refitted to take the new gear. On their return to Japan, the

equipment would be prepared, then brought out to New Zealand by three experts, accompanied by an interpreter. “The advanced types of equipment which have never been used in New Zealand, will cover mid-water trawling, purse seining, tuna longline fishing, prawn trawling, monofilament gill-netting (for tuna), and modern electronic gear,” he said. . “Late last year Mr Chitani, managing-director of Hakodate, Japan, the largest net manufacturing company in the world, who paid a brief visit to New Zealand was enormously impressed with the potential of the Dominion’s industry and the quality of our fish, but he could not understand the lack of development here,” Mr Mortis said. “He said that New Zealand fish was of excellent quality by any world standard.”

Mr Morris said the demonstrations were arranged with the approval of the Minister of Marine (Mr W. J. Scott >, and in conjunction with the Marine Department. It was planned for fishermen from all parts of New Zealand to attend. Keen interest was being shown by South Island fishermen, and, already, more than 80 have indicated that they will attend the Timaru demonstrations. . “This is the greatest advancement in the industry for 30 years,” he said. “Undoubtedly, Japan is the leading fishing nation in the world, and if we are to compete with them in our own waters, it is essential to ensure that our techniques are as efficient as theirs.”