MR I. D. McWHANNELL Fishing industry interest

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33985, 28 October 1975, Page 19

MR I. D. McWHANNELL Fishing industry interest

New Zealand’s “Cinderella” industry, fishing. is going to feature largely in the campaigning of lan Dalton McWhannell, National candidate for the Nelson seat.

Mr McWhannell. at 42, has practical knowledge of the fishing industry, acquired not only on the decks of trawlers, but from his experience in the exporting and supply sections of the industry. Although now farming two holdings at Dovedale and Harakiki. Mr McWhannell has retained his interest in an industry for which he sees a “colossal” potential.

He is having his second chance at the Nelson seat. In 1972 his vote fell about 1800 votes short of the majority required to top the sitting member, Mr Whitehead.

He feels that the portfolio of associate Minister of Fisheries should be set up by the Government to handle the “Cinderella

industry'.” "It is the most important industry we have. Its potential is colossal.” He advocates the extension of New Zealand’s territorial waters to 100 miles. He also cites, as an example of what New Zealand is missing, the huge Spanish market for squid. This is bought from the Japanese, he says, who probably catch it just outside the present New Zealand limit. He opposes strongly the landing of fish in New Zealand by Japanese ships. If one is allowed in, others will surely follow and the whole of the fishing industry will suffer eventually,

he says. Other matters of local concern to him are the possibility of establishing pulp mills in the district. The schemes require very close scrutiny, particularly in relation to power use. “If you want an example, look at Comalco. They got into New Zealand for peanuts,” he says. “The taxpayers paid for it and still are paying.” Sewerage in the Nelson

district, particularly the city, and the Government’s superannuation plan (“completely unacceptable”), are two other matters Mr McWhannell will be airing at length during the campaign. Mr McWhannell is also perturbed by what he sees as a lack of growth in the country. “A nation grows imperceptibly assisted and en-

couraged by its politicians and an informed public!

“It seems to me that we are now not as informed as we were and, even worse, we are certainly not growing. Most of us know the reasons why, and those who do not will, I am sure, be presented with the true facts by the media during what will be one of New Zealand’s liveliest campaigns.

“For me again to challenge the Labour Party’s hold over Nelson is to me just like completing unfinished work; for no matter how hard I worked last election I could not win. I could not win because I was not prepared to promise or compromise the standards I hold along with my family. Someone said I lost because I told the truth and they would be right. “This election I will continue to say what I truly believe, based on the facts I know, for to me the trade of politics is one of the greatest tests of a man or woman’s ability and integrity,” says Mr McWhannell.