EXPORT OF FISH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21990, 22 December 1934, Page 14

EXPORT OF FISH

MARKET IN AUSTRALIA FURTHER EXTENSION URGED STATEMENT BY MR. MASTERS The fact that there were definite opportunities awaiting New Zealand for increasing its sales of fish to Australia was emphasised by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. R. Masters, on his return from Australia this week. "I would urge those associated with the industry to make every effort to avail themselves of the chance they now have of extending their export trade," he said. Since the ratification of the Aus-tralian-New Zealand Trade Agreement on December 1, 1933, there had been a steady and substantial increase in the export of fish. For the nine-months' period ended September, 1933, oysters valued at £1022 and other fish valued nt £50,948 had been exported from New Zealand, whereas during the nine months ended September, 1934, the value of oysters exported bad increased to £1847 and that of other fish to £9(5,132. The position could be even further improved, but to give New Zealand the full benefit of the market offering it woujd be necessary for those interested in tho trade in the Dominion to become more active in certain directions. said the Minister. , Better Organisation Required For instance, the catching capacity of tho Dominion's fishing plants should be increased and the cleaning, get-up and packing of New Zealand fish should be further^ improved. "I think also that tho industry should take steps to organise itself on a proper basis, and bring about a cessation in the practice of fisheries of 'cutting' prices," he continued. "The taste for New Zealand fish is growing apace in Australia, but so far only the Melbourne and Sydney markets are partially catered for. Other large cities, such as Brisbane and Adelaide, are awaiting exploitation and supplies. In this connection I would point out that more regular supplies and shipments will be a necessity if we are to develop markets in additional centres, or even to increase the demand in Melbourne and Sydney. In addition, it should be possible to bring about a more favourable export price. A proper realisation of the demand in Australia would increase export prices at least Id per lb., which would aggregate ' approximately £25,000 per annum." When it was realised that Australian trawlers were fitting themselves out specially to go to New Zealand waters for fish, because of a definite shortage in Australia, the Dominion's fish exporters might possibly see the wisdom of getting together in a co-operative effort to develop the industry and the resultant export trade. Two trawlers had already visited the fishing grounds off the New Zealand coast within the past few months, the first taking over 880 boxes, and the second some 600 boxes of terekihi, schnapper, hapuka and assorted fish. Reflection on Industry "Frankly, I think it is a reflection on New Zealand and the initiative of those engaged in the industry that Australian ships should fish our waters, and return to their home ports with holds filled with fish to supply a receptive market, which" has been made available to our fishermen through the trade treaty," said the Minister. "If Australia finds it' payable to send vessels here, surely our own fishermen, with their closer knowledge of the fishing grounds and of local conditions, should make some effort to see that this trade is not taken from them." As an instance of the demand for fish in Australia, the Minister said that when he was in Sydney representations were niade to him by the Wholesale Fishmongers' Association of New South Wales. It was stated that there was a definite shortage of fish in Sydney, and that a great deal more could be utilised, especially as the taste for New Zealand fish was developing.