FISHING INDUSTRY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18633, 18 February 1935, Page 12

FISHING INDUSTRY

HELPING DEVELOPMENT IMMEDIATE SURVEY LOCAL AND EXPORT TRADE Endeavours are to be made by the Government to place the New Zealand fishing industry on an improved basis and a, complete survey of the position is to he made, according to a statement by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. R. Masters. “It has been felt for some time that the fishing industry is capable of considerable development, that local consumption can be increased, and that an export trade can be developed, ” said Mr. Masters. “During my recent visit to Australia I made extensive, inquiries in regard to the possibilities .of supplies of. our fish being absorbed in that market and I am convinced that distinct opportunities do exist.

“The fact that Australian trawlers are visiting our waters —one as recently. as last week—and taking large catches back to Sydney and Melbourne markets indicates,, firstly, that there is a shortage of fish m Australian waters and, secondly, that New Zealand fish is suitable for their requirements.

LOW CONSUMPTION IN N.Z

“The consumption of fish in New Zealand is relatively low and it would seem the demand could 'be greatly increased. In order to obtain a complete survey of the whole question the Development of Industries Committee considered that a thorough investigation should 'be made into the industry, and when this is complete it will be possible to gauge the possibilities and determine what line of action should be taken to further the development of the industry. For this purpose a sub-committee of the Development of Industries Committee has been set up and the investigation will commence at once.

“Those engaged in the industry will have' full opportunity of giving their advice and submitting suggestions. In addition, the sub-committee will have the benefit of expert advice from the Marine Department, which is the department most closely concerned with sea fishing. I am sure this effort on the part of the Government will bu welcomed by those engaged in the industry, and I am hopeful that as a result of the survey it will be found possible to devise means whereby the industry may be very materially helped.”