Chathams Convoys Suspended

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32018, 19 June 1969, Page 1

Chathams Convoys Suspended

The present convoy system for fishing vessels travelling to and from the Chatham Islands has been suspended.

The Minister of Marine (Mr Scott) said last night that he had directed the suspension in the meantime because it was apparent that some operators were flouting the safety rules agreed to by the fishing industry, the Press Association reported.

“I have asked the Secretary of Marine to call an urgent conference with the industry to conduct a full-scale review of present arrangements, with the view to tightening controls in the interests of safety,” he said. This meeting would be held in Wellington next Tuesday.

The results of the meeting, he said, could influence decisions which would be taken on future controls. Further official announce-

mentsl would be made after the meeting, Mr Scott said. It was obvious that the suspension of the convoy system related to the sinking of the Kea and the La Paloma, but until the full facts were before the Minister, it would be inappropriate to comment, the national secretary of the Federation of Commercial Fishermen (Mr J. P. Davies) said in Christchurch last evening. “Quite clearly, the lives of our people must be- protected," he said.