FISHING DISPUTE

Southland Times, Issue 23652, 29 October 1938, Page 6

FISHING DISPUTE

NEED FOR AGREEMENT EMPHASIZED REOPENING OF SEASON IN JANUARY Before the fishing season at Stewart Island reopens in January some arrangements about the price to be paid for catches will haye to be reached between the merchants and the fishermen. This opinion was expressed by a Stewart Island fisherman in discussing the present fishing hold-up in Southland waters. The price of "211- per 1001 b decided on at the last conference held at Wellington had not been acceptable to the Seamen’s Union, to which was affiliated the Fishermen s Union, he said, and the men had been instructed by the secretary not to fish. It was considered probable that before the start of the new season an attempt would be made to secure an adjustment of the position to the satisfaction of both parties. Although the industry is virtually at a standstill at Stewart Island, several men are still engaged in fishing. It was explained that fishermen having their own boats might continue to fish, provided they found a private market for their catches and did not sell them to the merchants. There are between 90 and 100 men engaged in the fishing industry at Half Moon Bay, it was stated, and those who have their own vessels number about eight. These men have turned their attention mainly to net fishing, although the weather has prevented them from fishing extensively. OPINIONS AT HALF MOON BAY Opinions of the dispute about the price paid by merchants are stated to be divided at Half Moon Bay. Many fishermen are firm in their refusal to work at the reduced price and wholeheartedly support the union’s action in forbidding the men to fish. Others, on the contrary, are willing to work at the price of 27/- per 1001 b and would resume fishing if the union would permit it. The opinion is held generally, however, that the reduced rate offered to the men is insufficient to enable fishermen to make a reasonable living. Usually, the day boats fishing at the island cease operations about the end of August. At Port Pegasus and the West Coast sounds the season extends at least into November. The fishermen, at Stewart Island are at present engaged on public works, including' road formation. Evidence of the work is seen in extensive improvements to various roads leading from the township. It is believed that the work will last for four months from the start of the scheme. For a number of years fishermen at Stewart Island have been employed on public works during the off-season, it was stated, and the practice was not instituted this season merely as an alternative to fishing. From September until the end of the year it was usual to put men on public works to provide them with employment