NOTES AND COMMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20263, 24 May 1929, Page 10

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

THE GREAT FISHERIES. Among the many words which have enriched the English vocabulary since the war, few have lately become more familiar than " rationalisation," which, roughly, defines a method of developing to its utmost, the productive capacity of any given industry. The meeting in London of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea is a reminder that this principle of rationalisation has been applied for nearly 30 years to mankind's use of one of the most important sources of his food, says the Daily Telegraph. In land industry rationalisation pools the resources of a number of firms engaged in the same trade; in the great industry of the sea it claims the close co-operation of 15 national Governments. It was in 1902 that the International Council took form, " to promote the rational exploitation of the sea," by getting the most out of it with the least effort and cost, and without prejudice to its future stock. In that year, only nine countries were represented—Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Russia, I'inland and Germany. This year's meeting was attended also by delegates from France, the Irish Free State, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The research is international, not only because the field is so wide, but also because all the fishing of any importance is carried on in international waters. Therefore, if, as the result of the investigation, any measures are to be taken for the development of the fisheries, whether in the form of the protection of the fish or the development of the supply, they must be carried out internationally. RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA. Much attention is being; Riven in Britain to tbo question of renewing diplomatic and commercial relations with Russia. As to the former, the Saturday Review says it would give to skilful diplomacy a chance of removing political difficulties between the two countries in Asia and it might encourage private capital to take whatever apportunities offer in Russia. "If we are to regain our old eminence in big business in Russia (Germany, despite her natural advantages, never did more than a pedlar's trade with the country) and capture what must potentially be the biggest market still undeveloped in the world, we must, at any rate, begin by renewing diplomatic intercourse." says the Review. " The Soviet representatives tell us that wo cannot enter into tho El Dorado that we are assured is there without a big loan for reconstruction. That is a purely commercial risk which no British Government would be in a position to take, least of all nt the present time. But if the opportunities offer and the certain obstacles can be removed. these will become legitimate risks which private capital may well think it worth while to run. Russia is at present holding her hand until she sees the result of the general election; if Labour is returned to power, her demands will undoubtedly rise. But if Labour is not in power she is likely to be in a much more reasonable frame of mind and ready to give reasonable securities for the foreign capital which she needs." The New Statesman suggests that an preliminary is an offer by Russiai of a composition of her debts, even if it is only a few shillings in the pound.