FISH INDUSTRY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8191, 5 August 1912, Page 8

FISH INDUSTRY

Nothing is said to have been done in tho past to assist fishermen, yet, says Mr G. M. Thompson, M.P., “it is to this part of our population that wo must look in tho future not only for an improved food supply, but also as a main source of the men required for our mercantile marine and for the navy.” He has given notice to ask the Minister of Marine if ho will consider the question of extending to fishermen- a scheme of advancing sums of money on easy conditions, so as to enable them to obtain the boats, engines, etc., necessary for their industry at more reasonable rates than is at present tho case. Another question on tho same subject will bo asked by Mr G. M. Thomson (Dunedin), who wishes to know whether the Prime Minister will take steps to investigate the possibilities of converting the fishing industry of the Dominion into a State concern, so as to provide an improved, cheaper, and more widely distributed fish supply than at present exists, and to utilise more efficiently the vast and practically exhaustless resources of tho surrounding seas. It is suggested that an experiment might be tried in tho first instance at one centre, where by erection of a cold store, oil-extract-ing and desiccating apparatus, all the products of tho fisheries could ho utilised. •The existing interests could be purchased at a fair valuation, and those engaged in the industry would be encouraged to bring in and sell everything that was taken by net or line.