FISH FROM TIMARU

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30738, 30 April 1965, Page 17

FISH FROM TIMARU

Applications Granted Mr J. S. Haywood, the No. 9 Transport Licensing Authority, has granted a Timaru carrier’s application to be allowed to carry chilled fish from Timaru to Christchurch, and return with empty fish cases. Exemption was granted from the 75 miles railway restriction. The carrier is George Raymond Mcßride, of 169 Le Cren street, Timaru (Mr B. J. Petrie, with him Mr D. B. Timpany). Mr F. D. Daly appeared for the Railways Department and Mr A. Moir for Refrigerated Freight Lines (Wellington), Ltd., at the hearing of the application. Mr Haywood said in his reserved decision that Timaru had become the fourth largest fishing port in New Zealand. Boats operated from the eastern or back bays of Banks Peninsula to south of Oamaru. “I am tempted to think.” he said, “that commercial fishermen with the freedom they now enjoy might have landed catches in Akaroa or Lyttelton rather than steam to the home port of Timaru and carry the fish from Timaru to Christchurch. However, I assume the fishermen have their own reasons for doing so.” Mr Haywood said he thought the most valid argument in favour of the application was the lack of refrigerated railway waggons for fish in hot weather. The Timaru to Christchurch line possibly did not warrant a supply of refrigerated waggons by the Department as opposed to the insulated ones used.

“Time will tell whether or not Mr Mcßride is geared to render the proposed service." said Mr Haywood, “which will involve a vehicle superior to an insulated waggon and provide a better time-table service.”