FISHING INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 291, 13 November 1941, Page 8

FISHING INDUSTRY.

(Press Assn.) AUCKLAND, Nov. 12. I lie effect on the fishing industry of commandeering fishing trawlers by the Admiralty tor mine-sweepers was commented upon by Mr A. If. Jagger, chairman, at the annual meeting of a fishing firm. ‘•When the trawlers were commandeered over a year ago we were in the fortunate position of having large quantities of good stocks,, enabling us to keep up supplies through the lean period. But such stocks are not available this year and Jarge areas where the boats formerly worked ha\*e been closed because of floating mines.”

He paid a tribute to the fishermen and sailors who, through all weathers, day and night, operated in these dangerous areas. The past year had seen a desperate scarcity of fish throughout the North Auckland, llauraki Gulf, and Bay of Plenty districts, and there was a continual call from the southern districts for supplies. The firm, like the industry as a whole, was experiencing great difficulty in securing satisfactory labour. 'The Price Tribunal had not allowed an increase to fishermen for certain months of this year, but he felt it would be necessary to pay fishermen an increase the whole year round if. the company was to secure supplies.