THE FISHING INDUSTRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume LI, Issue 5227, 17 July 1919, Page 6

THE FISHING INDUSTRY.

PROPOSED GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE.

ADVANCES FOll PURCHASE OF BOATS.

BONUS ON CURED FISH

Press Association Telegram. WELLINGTON. July 16. The Minister for Marine, in a statement regarding the fishing industry, said he felt it was the duty of the department to give every possible assistance in increasing the •supply of fish to the people of the Dominion. He was satisfied that the fisheries were capable of producing a very large supply of necessary food, and special attention and asaistance should be given to the industry at the present time. He proposed to recommend that Government advances should be made to fishermen for the purchase of suitable boats and fishing outfits; that the State Fire Insurance should provide a cover against loss or damage to fishermen’s boats; that the erection of fish chilling and ice-making plants in outlying parts of the coast should •be provided to prevent the loss of fish during the warm, weather, and to ensure ail fish reaching the market in a fresh condition; that fishermen should be encouraged to go in for purse- seining, by which fish could be taken in large quantities, and at small cost in comparison with trawling. The Minister said he proposed also to suggest a bonus on fish canned and cured for export and on the, production of fertiliser made from fish offal a,iid unmarketable fish, and that the Government take steps further to provide the necessary supplies of benzine. lubricating oils, nets, nettintr twine, hooks, lines, etc., which j are required by those engaged in the ‘idling industry. With respect to the latter suggestion, he said a movement was already authorised to forward to England an order for £2OOO worth of nets m order that some immediate relief should b« given to those in the industry. The Minister -.said he proposed to instruct Mi- Ayson to visit New ftoiith Wales and Queensland Gu'/the purpose of personally observing State and other methods of fishing, packino- transportation, and the conv ya nee inland bv railway, and also for studying and obtaining first-hand detailed information and plans as to method of artificial oyster culture.