GLOVES FROM EELSKIN

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 11 October 1935, Page 10

GLOVES FROM EELSKIN

A POSSIBLE INDUSTRY

FINE LEATHER MANUFACTURED TINNED FOOD A BY-PRODUCT. The possibility of the utilisation of eelskius for the manufacture of a very line leather is mentioned in the annual report of the chief inspector of fisheries, Mr A. E. Helloi 1 d, whose report was tabled in the House of Representatives this week. After referring to the potential economic value of the eel and its high dietetic value, Mr Hefford said though greatly esteemed by many civilised races and of high commercial value in certain countries, the eel as a food-fisli did not at present commend itself to the majority of British people. “The same bias,’’ said Mr Helford, “has temporarily stood in the way of the proper utilisation of many other food-fishes, and, it is to be hoped, will fade out when we are educated to a more rational understanding and appreciation of the qualities of what we eat. It may be mentioned, however, that what was formerly regarded as the principal drawback to most of our New Zealand eels and the chief difficulty in the way of their exportation as a profitable trade —namely, their large size—may very likely prove to be their most valuable quality.

“The utilisation of eelskins for the manufacture of a very fine leather most suitable for ladies’ gloves of the best quality, is now an accomplished fact in Europe. The tanning of the skins to make ‘kid’ of the requisite quality and value is a process that calls for highlyspecialised technical processes which have already been successfully developed in Europe. European eels are of small size compared with tlioso of New Zealand. Consequently our eelskius have an appreciably higher value for this particular purpose. There is therefore scope for the development of a minor industry for the manufacture, in the Dominion, of this eelskin leather. The industry is not one that can be undertaken by those unskilled in modern tannery processes or even by the skilled unless they have the requisite modern plant. “If the successful results, which there is reason to anticipate, are achieved, New Zealand eelskin leather will be on the market in the near future. Tinned eel may then be of the nature of a by-product of the tanning industry instead of eelskin being a waste product of the canning industry. The catching of eels to provide the raw material should afford afford a suitable occupation for many {Maoris who are not happily situated in the economic circumstances of to-day.

“Returning to the subject, of eels as food, I can report from trials made by myself and others that tinned eel is little, if at all, inferior either in flavour or food value to tinned salmon (imported from countries that raise high barriers against the importation of New Zealand produce). At present it may be difficult to sell at a price commensurate with its real value. So was our mutton until the bias of ignorance was overcome and until science came to the aid of industry and commerce to ensure that only a commodity of high quality should be put on the market.’’