N.Z. FISHERIES: THREAT FROM OVERSEAS BOATS

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 July 1950, Page 2

N.Z. FISHERIES: THREAT FROM OVERSEAS BOATS

WELLINGTON, July 3 (P.A.).— “The envious eyes of other countries are directed at our fishery resources,” said Mr J. W. Watts, counsel for the Fishermen’s Co-operative, Ltd., addressing the Fisheries Licensing Appeal Authority in Wellington. “Unless this country exports to Australia, then Australia will take our fish from us by sending fishing fleets over here as was done before the war and, indeed, as is being done now to a limited extent.” Mr Watts quoted a Canadian fishery expert, Dr W. A. Clemens, who had said that American scientists considered that tuna fishing of considerable importance could be developed off New Zealand. Dr Clemens had added that the matter deserved attention and very likely would get it from United States interests. The Fishermen’s Co-operative, Ltd., was appealing against the Licensing Authority’s refusal to licence the former harbour ferry Cobar as a fishing vessel. The authority had held that the existing fishing grounds should be conserved because of their depletion, and that returned servicemen should have preference in the industry. Mr Watts contended that the extent of New Zealand’s fishing grounds and how much they had been depleted were completely unknown to the Marine Department and therefore to the authority. The hearing will be continued tomorrow.