THE FISHING INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 58, 3 December 1918, Page 8

THE FISHING INDUSTRY

SUGGESTIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT

VIEWS OF THE CHIEF INSPECTOR,

, Suggestions for the development of tho fisheries of the Dominion were made by the Chief Inspector of Fisheries (Mr. L. 1 , . Ayson) in the course. of his niimial report presented to Parliament yesterday. "In this time of. stress tho Government is required lo give every possible assistance in increasing the supply and also cheapening the necessaries of life for the people of the Dominion," said Mr. Ayson. "The fisheries are capable of producing a very large supply of a necessary food, and special attention and assistance should'be'given to the industry at ,tlie present time. .As with the development of all other industries a 'certain aimmnt of money must be provided by the Government, and every encouragement should be given the fishermen and others already employed in connection with the industry. I think the- Government should encourage and assist the municipal councils of the principal cities in' the erection of suitable fish markets, and-in'the adoption of a system of distribution of fish from these markets, and in supplying inland towns and country district with a regular sup-, ply of fresh and cured fish. For tho purpose of assisting the present fishermen, and encouraging more fishermen to engage 'in tishiw?, I would respectfully .make . the following recommendations:— ■ ■ ' "(1) That the. Government advance money to fisherman for'the purchase of 'suitable boats and fishing outfit. ' "(2) That insurance of fishermen s boats by the State Fire. Insurance. Office. ""(3) The 'erection of fish-chilling and ice-inaking plants in outlying parts of tho coast, so as to prevent the loss of lish during warm wpather, and ensure ail fish reaching market in a perfectly fresh condition. "(i) Encourage fishermen to go in for purse-seining by. a practical demonstration of the lisa- of this net on the various fishing grounds around the coast. Bγ this method fish can be taken m very large quantities and at small cost in "comparison lo trawlin.v "(5) Giving a bonus on fish/canned and cured for export, and also on the production of fertiliser manufactured from fish offal and-unmarketable fish, and for the manufacture of potash and other products from kelp and seaweed. "(6) That the Government take immediate steps to provide the necessary supplies of benzine, lubricating oil, nets, nettiii" twine, hooks, lines, etc., which are required by those engaged in the lish industry." . ~',', Mr; Ayson mentioned that, the groat increase iu the price and short supply of coal, benzine, lubricating oil, nets, npttinsr twine, hooks, and' lines, and nil other necessaries connected with the tishimr trade, came very hard on fishermen, 'and may have « far-reaching effect on their earnings and also on the hsli supply for market throughout the U'iminio'n. He believed if was correct to. sav that, with the exception of one or two instances, there bad been little or no increase in the price which fishermen got for their fish since the war began. "The result was that, with Hie 'high rate of wages offering at other employment, a number of men had given un-fishing and taken to other .work where they could earn more money and have a regular income. The position with regard to the supply of nets, netting twiue, and all other necessaries connected with tho fishing trade had becflme so serious that-ho recommended the Government to take immediate steps to, assist in securing the necessary supplies; I' .' ■ . '''