SUPPLIES OF FISH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15645, 26 June 1914, Page 8

SUPPLIES OF FISH.

SUGGESTIONS BY DEALERS.

"PRICES NOT TOO HIGH."

IMPROVED METHODS ADVOCATED,

Several questions relating to the provision of fish for consumption in Auckland were discussed yesterday afternoon at a meeting of the principal merchants with the Canadian • Commissioner of Ffsheries (Professor E. E. Prinoe) and Mr. L. F. Ay son, chief inspector of fisheries. The meeting was attended by Messrs A. Sanford, Gilbert San ford, Thomas Clegg, Charles Douglas, Samuel Green, and A. J. Dobson..

Most of the dealers agreed that the supply of fish was sufficiently abundant, and that fishermen were able to procure from the Auckland waters ample quantities of fish for the North Island markets. They stated however, that the supplies were irregular; being at times in excess of the demand and at oilier times insufficient to meet the requirements of tho publjc. Various suggestions were mado for the regulation of supplies, trawling and tho use of more efficient methods of fishing I bein<* recommended as likely to accomplish this result. Nearly all the mcr- j chants present expressed approval oi the j proposed municipal market as a means of J securing better accommodation for the j wholesale distribution of fish. i

Complaints that the ruling prices for fish were too high were described as unjustifiable'. Professor Prince was informed that the prices ghen to fishermen had been doubled within the last three years, and, at tho rates which were now paid, expert men were able to earn as much as £10 a week. One of the heaviest expenses in connection with the business was stated to arise from the necessity of maintaining large staffs of T! t,. .!• jj v.jth ■ : : i« fish -as it was de..vered. though iiU..h of their labour was idle when only small supplies were received. The existence of a " ring " of fishdeaJers was very" strongly denied, it being declared that on the contrary the dealers compete among themselves to secure the catches of fish.

The existing methods of transport for fish were reviewed in detail. The need for specially constructed raOwav waggons by which fish could be sent to Wellington and other markets was "urged. Professor i'rince. was informed that the fish are very roucrhlv handled by fishermen and in transit to the merchants. Complaints were made particularly regarding the manner in which fish is carried on steamers, the dealers stating that the fish are subjected to such careless treatment that they are seriously deteriorated in quality before they reach the merchants. It was suggested that the Auckland system of shipping fish in bundles was inferior to the various methods of pacHncr emploved in the South, sacks bcinj used in the MarlVr.vonf'i Sounds, and barrels or boxes at Moeraki. Timaru, and other Southern rent-roe. with tho result that, the fish invariable inched their destination in the best condition.

An innuirv was made by Professor Prince regarding the possibility of expanding the industry. Opinions were, men that it could be greatly developed if better facilities for -transportation and marketing wre devised.

An invitation has b p en given hv Profpvnv Prince to t'v>se in the a/> tnal W'inir operations to mc-t him at the (•rand HoM at 10 a.m. on Saturday.