THE SOUNDS FISHERIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 21

THE SOUNDS FISHERIES.

(Frou Our Owa- Coerespondent. WELLINGTON, March X,

The Government are being approached with a view to assisting in the prosecution of the fishing industry in the West Coast Sounds. Mr M'Gowan, who received a deputation in the- absence of" the Hon. J. Q-. Ward, admitted the importance of encouraging the fishing industry along the Sounds. Messrs. Hanan and Gilfedder have suggested that the Government should provide a steamer with refrigerator »o ply between the inlets and the Bluff, so that the fish might be transhipped in "a fresh state to the steamers trading to Melbourne, where a very extensive market exists. This would, it is averred, result in the permanent establishment oi fishing villages on the West Coast, an<3 settle a thriving population on a part oi the coast that would otherwise remain uninhabited. It would enable prospecting to be carried on along the littoral, and the coal leases whicn have been taken up in several places, but which remain undeveloped for lack of labour, could be worked during a portion of the year by the labowr of the villagers. There is abundance of coal of good quality and an almost inexhaustible supply of splendid timber. The matter will Be further pressed upon the consideration of the Government by those who are interesting themselves in the fisheries of the south.