'Amateurism Fishing’ Statement Challenged

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30822, 6 August 1965, Page 1

'Amateurism Fishing’ Statement Challenged

“I would hardly think that Sir Peter Phipps is as yet qualified to make such a statement, said the secretary of the Federation of Commercial Fishermen (Mr J. P. Davies) yesterday. He was commenting on a comment by Sir Peter Phipps that there were too many amateurs in New Zealand's fishing industry. Sir Peter Phipps, formerly Chief of the Defence Staff, has recently become head of the New Zealand Sea Products Export Company. The development of the industry had come from the “amateurs,” many of whom were second-generation fishermen, said Mr Davies. “They have achieved this develop-

ment without any help from outside agencies,” he added. Mr Davies said he agreed with Sir Peter Phipps that new markets were necessary and that a training school and the standardisation of fishing boats were ideals. “But someone has to pay for it all.” The Fishing Industry Board had been appointed to spearhead the development of New Zealand’s fishing industry, but had not received a grant from the Government this year. “This means development is still being paid by my industry. Only the levy on the fishermen is keeping the board alive," said Mr Davies.