FISH INDUSTRY CONTROL

Southland Times, Issue 25359, 10 May 1944, Page 4

FISH INDUSTRY CONTROL

Mr Doyle’s Claims Challenged

(Special) AUCKLAND, May 9. Men with long experience in the fishing industry in Auckland challenge the statements made by the Hon. T. F. Doyle, M.L.C., that the industry in New Zealand is in the hands of a group of exploiters and speculators. “Statements like that do a lot of damage to an industry and are notjrue,” said Mr S. Vella, chairman of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Fish Merchants’ Association. In saying that the time was overdue for a Royal Commission to inquire into the industry Mr Doyle appeared to overlook the fact that a commission sat some time ago, stated Mr Vella. This commission spent 12 months in its investigations, which covered the whole of New Zealand and produced many recommendations which were put into practice for the betterment of the industry. The allegation about shark being eaten in large quantities and the best of the country’s fish . being exported to Australia was ridiculous and unworthy of a public man. REASONS FOR SHORTAGE

There were many reasons contributing to a shortage of fish at present, Mr Vella continued. The fishing industry in war-time was subject to the same difficulties as other industries. Boats had been withdrawn from the fishing fleet for other duties, there was difficulty in obtaining engine parts for replacements, with the result that vessels in need of repair were held up longer than usual, while the man-power problem was greater than ever. In addition, recently there had been a long period of bad weather which had reduced the activities of the fleets which were available.

When quoting prices, Mr Vella pointed out, Mr Doyle had omitted to make clear the position concerning the state of preparation of the fish and had not attempted to explain the loss in weight of fish which occurred in trimming between the time the fish was bought and the public purchased a fillet over the counter. Further, prices were ‘governed by the Price Tribunal, which had determined the margin of profit.