MAKING FISH PASTE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 5 June 1943, Page 4

MAKING FISH PASTE

NEW INDUSTRY AT MOTUEKA A secondary industry new to the district—the manufacture of fish paste —has been established at Motueka and is controlled by the Golden Bay Fish Co., Ltd., with Mr Ivan Talley as manager. The factory, measuring 66ft by 24ft. is situated in a central position in the borough, and is constructed of reinforced concrete. A number of large windows provide adequate light and sunshine while several ventilators near ground level ensure a plentiful supply of fresh air. Electrical machinery for the manufacture of the fish paste has been installed. This includes a mixer, a cutter, and an automatic feeder. A good hot water supply has been provided for the washing of tables, receptacles, etc., and for the use of employees. The dining-room and office are attached to one end of the factory, while at the other end a block measuring 45ft by 24ft contains a cool store of six tons capacity and a fish cleaning repartment. At the present time only herring paste is being manufactured, but as the firm establishes itself other lines will be put on the market. In the process of manufacture the fish are put into casks and cured before being converted into paste. A "Mail” representative was informed by the manager that only herrings and pilchards are used in the manufacture of the paste. Four men and six girlj are at present employed by the Golden Bay Fish Co., Ltd., and form the initial staff.