FISHING INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 120, 14 February 1935, Page 8

FISHING INDUSTRY

Opportunities For Further Development COMMITTEE AT WORK “One of the first matters dealt with by the newly reconstituted Development of Industries Committee was the question of placing the fishing industry on a better basis,” said the Hon. R. Masters, Minister of Industries and Commerce and chairman of the committee, in au interview yesterday. “It has been felt for some time that this industry is capable of considerable development, that local consumption can be increased, and that an export trade kan be developed,” Mr. Masters said. “During my recent visit to Australia I made extensive inquiries in regard to the possibilities of supplies of our fish being absorbed in that market, and I am convinced that distinct opportunities do exist. The fact that Australian trawlers are visiting our waters (one as recently as last week) and taking large catches back to Sydney and Melbourne markets indicates first that there is a shortage of fish in Australian waters, and secondly that New Zealand fish is suitable for their requirements. Consumption of fish.in New Zealand is .relatively low, and it would seem the demand could be greatly increased. “in order to obtain a complete survey of the whole question, the committee considered that a thorough investigation should be made into the industry, and when this is complete it will be possible to gauge the possibilities and determine what Hue of action should be taken to further the development of the industry. For this purpose a sub-committee of the. Development of Industries Committee has been set up, and the investigation will commence at once. Those engaged in the industry will have full opportunity of giving their advice and submitting suggestions, and in addition the sub-com-mittee will have the benefit of expert advice from the Marine Department, which is the department. most closely concerned with sea-fishing. I am sure that this effort on the part of the Government will be welcomed by those engaged in the industry, and I am hopeful that as a result of the survey it will be found possible to devise means whereby the industry may be very materially helped.” Questioned in regard to the work of the Development of Industries Committee generally, the Minister stated that its chief function would be to investigate proposals for establishing new industries aud the extension of existing ones, and to consider means whereby assistance could be, granted to those which it was found would be able to operate economically and ’which would absorb directly or indirectly a number of unemployed. The committee would work in close co-operation with the Unemployment Board, which had been considering schemes for placing unemployed in industry and a member - of the board was on the committee. It was hoped that by this system of cooperation it would be possible permanently to place a considerable number of men in soundly organised industries.

The committee Jias already given preliminary consideration to a number ot subjects, and further information is being obtained,” said the Minister.