SALE OF FISH.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 700, 9 May 1916, Page 11

SALE OF FISH.

DECISION BY THE GOVERNMENT. LAKE ELLESMERE TO BE FISHED TO SITPLY CITY WANTS. The Government has decided to cater for the supply to the public of |fresh fish. Already its activities have commenced in Auckland and 'Wellington, where an abundance is being supplied, wot only of the sea variety but also from the lakes and rivers. Very shortly a commencement will be made in the fishing of ! Lake Ellesmere. The cost will be reduced as far as possible by the further decision to use the labour available in the menial hospitals and institutions. At last night's meeting of the City I Council the Market Committee reported that a supply of fish had been offered to the city by the Government. This supply is obtained by the work of the patients at Seacliff, partly assisted by day labour. The amount which should be daily available from this source is 11 tons. This is after all Government institutions in the city, the Salvation Army Homes, and the district nursi ing organisation have been supplied. j The Mayor slated to-day that j when the fishing of Lake Ellesmere , is commenced much more will be available. No information was supplied to the council as to the probable cost, but as very little of the : labour will be paid for under the scheme, there is every promise of fish at cheap rates. Towards the end of May and during the winter months, the sea fishing will slacken off, but the activities at Seacliff will be directed towards obtaining crayfish, etc. . The scheme should also be a profitable one from the Government's point of view, for the Mayor has been informed that the total amount realised by the end of May from the supply throughout the Dominion is expected to reach £60,000. The industry, too, should increase. At present Dr Truby King, the superintendent at Seacliff, has only a motor launch available for the purpose. No douhl a trawler or larger boat or boats will be acquired in course of time. The City Council, which decided last evening to leave the question of accepting the Government's offer until the next meeting, is communicating with Dr Truby King for further particulars of the cost and probable supply.