NEW ZEALAND FISHERIES

Otago Witness, Issue 3292, 18 April 1917, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND FISHERIES

"PROSPECT OF DEVELOPMENT. . (Feoii Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, April 13. The question of the further development of the dominion's fisheries is receiving attention from Mr G. W. Russell (Minister of Marine). In a statement this evening, Mr Russell said that in reply to a cablegram sent by him when he assumed control of the department. Professor Prince, of Canada, had. cabled stating that he would make every effort to forward his full report on New Zealand fisheries in time for it to be presented to Parliament thisXyear. The report from Professor Prince, laid before Parliament in 1915, was only an interim report, but the Minister remarked that it contained many valuable suggestions. One notable* suggestion was in regardto the question of turning to account certain varieties of fish which at present were not in favour with the ordinary consumer, but which in Canada, under Professor Prince's management, wore treated in such a way as to form an excellent article of diet and a commodity for export. "There are markets," continued the Minister, "in India, China, and other countries, to which this low-grade fish could be regularly sent. My opinion is that this is a field that should be exploited. One difficulty so far as the fishermen are concerned is that of financa There is also the question of cool stores to hold fish until it can be marketed to advantage. An excellent lead in this matter has been given by the assistance afforded to fruit-growers in erecting cool- storos. As fish is regarded by medical men as being as . necessary, even if not more necessary, as an article of food than fruit, there is no reason why the fish industry should not receive the same financial assistance as that already given to fruit-growers. I propose to bring the matter before the Cabinet, and the experts of the department are at present considering fie question. The primary object in view h that of securing cheap fish for home consumption, but the possibilities of opening up an export trade to Australia, whore there is an almost unlimited market, will be kept in view." Mr Russell said that the question of the transit of fish also would be considered. He ■was honeful that it would be found possible to devise a satisfactory form of cool carriage in crates on the railway without it being necessary to take up the whole of a truck.