EXPERIMENTAL TRAWLING.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 100, 21 January 1908, Page 9

EXPERIMENTAL TRAWLING.

YTSIT TO THE 'CHATHAM ISLANDS, ' (or TEi.EGKi.ra—srecui, cokkesponijist.) . : papier, January' 20.' .;A -.representative of ,111 e " Hawke's Bay Herald,''.who accompanied the trawler Nora Niven. on her recent experimental visit to the Chatham Islands, states that the results of the expedition were not so satisfactory, as anticipated, principally owing to niifore-; scon ■ and unfavourable circumstances. The owners of the Nora Niven, tho New Zealand Trawling and Fisl) Supply Company, Ltd., had ontcrcd into for the einplovment of 29 islanders and five, boats to assist in. the operations, and the arrangements had been entrusted to . Mr. H. , Lan- ■ auzo, a settler on the main island, arid a brother to Mr.' J. R. Lanauze, of Hawke's Bay. Owing to the death of Mr. H.- Lanauze a week beforo the steamer's arrival, theao arrangements were not- completed. The, presence of the mail steamer Ripple, at the Islands/ and tho consequent ' demand for labour iii discharging and loading cargo, made it impossible to obtain extra hands. The Weather was also unfavourable, except, during a big day's sport at Pitt Island, there being so littlo smooth water that on many occasions' it was impossible to use the boats. was also pointed out by an experienced resident fisherman that tlio season was unpropitious; that it was the time of tho year 'when the natural food of the cod is--most dainty and abundant, and - when,' therefore,, the allurements of strange tit-bits have little attraction. Tho owners.. are thoroughly satisfied that under different' circumstances a payable fishing industry could bo established at the Chathams, and if only for. its negative results, the expedition was not in vain. Much valuable information has been obtained as to the best fishing grounds, places of shelter, favourable conditions, etc., which will ho of great value in tho further proseDiition of their project. - 'i'liey have gained experience Much will possibly lead to tho success their enterprise so thoroughly deserves..