FISHING BOATS IDLE

Evening Star, Issue 23831, 11 March 1941, Page 3

FISHING BOATS IDLE

DISPUTE WITH MERCHANTS OVER PRICE MR SULLIVAN TO DECIDE ISSUE fFeu United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, March 10. Uecutise no settlement has been reached in the dispute between the fishermen and the fish merchants over the increased payment for fish, the boats of tin; Auckland fishing fleet stayed in port to-day. The matter has now been placed in the hands of the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr Sullivan, and botli parties arc awaiting his decision. Although an increase of Jcl per Jb as from March 1, was granted to the fishermen for selmapper, torakihi, and kingfisli by tiie Price Tribunal, the men have complained that they all did not receive the higher price last week. Rising costs of operating their boats justified an increase in the price paid for their fish, state the fishermen, who Bay that there lias been no increase in the previous price of 2d a lb since ,19,‘50. The chairman of the Auckland Wholesale Kish Merchants’ Association, Mr J. Enwright, declined to comment or make a statement about the situation. The fishermen effected repairs to their boats, nets, ropes, and gear, and overhauled their engines while in port to-day. Flounder boats were not affected by the dispute, and sailed as usual. The failure of the boats to sail will mean a shortage of fish this week, but it is expected that the dispute will be settled to-morrow.