EXPORT OF FISH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21264, 19 February 1931, Page 5

EXPORT OF FISH.

DEMAND IN AUSTRALIA. NEW METHOD OP PACKING. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, February IS. Hopes for the development of a considerable export trade in New Zealand fish to Australia are entertained by Mr E. llobertshaw Hallett, formerly of Auckland, who arrived from Sydney by the Mauuganui to-day. Mr Hallett, who is accompanied by Mr A. E. Forster, has invented a new method for the packing and freezing of fish for export, and his firm proposes to establish a factory at Thames and export large quantities of New Zealand flounder and schnapper to Australia. “ I spent a year in the United States recently, perfecting the refrigerating system,” Mr Hallett said. “It is entirely a new departure from the ordinary methods of refrigeration. The fish are filleted and packed in cartons, and then the heat is drawn out of the package until it reaches a temperature of 45 degrees below zero. The fish is not broken down in any way under the new prqcess, and the fillets maintain their usual appearance and flavour for about four months.” The factory which it is proposed to erect at the Thames will cost approximately £IO.OOO. Mr Hallett said that arrangements would be made with the Thames fishermen for a regular supply of fresh fish. In Australia the ordinary fish caught by the trawler's was not of good quality, and really, good fish could only be obtained at a price which to most people was almost prohibitive. “There is no doubt that if New Zealand fish can be obtained fresh there will be a heavy demand for it in Australia,” Mr Hallett added.