Our Fish Supply.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6649, 13 September 1889, Page 2

Our Fish Supply.

TO THK EDITOE. Sik, — I have read with considerable pleasure your able article on the above subject. Ido not wish to see you laid up with a dose of ague or an attack of rheumatic fever, otherwise I was about to make the (suggestion that I should have liked to see you at the place called the fish market on Tuesday last, when the place wbb inches deep in sludge. You also rightly draw attention to the ring of fishmongers. Their operations are always being demonstrated there. For instance, any person daring to go to the market and bid independently is instantly rounded upon in this way : one of the ring is selected to run him up each time, and when the fish falls to them at a high price they all assemble after the sale is over, when the leading fishmongers are to be seen dividing a 15s box of flounders, and drawing lota should there be an odd one.. By this means it is thought to make it 60 hot for the opposite side that he or they will be compelled to retire. Up to the present the ling has been successful, but my experience tells me that it is not going to be a success on the present occasion, and in the interest of the public I earnestly trust they will be defeated. At times of the year when fish has been plentiful in Chri6tchurch, rather than bring down the price tons of fish have been buried in the sandhills, and this, too, when hundreds of families hardly kneir where the next meal was to come from. I agree with you that it is time we had a change from the present wretched state of affairs, which is a standing disgrace to our city. — I am, &c. PISCATOR No. 2. Christchureh,.Sept. 12, 1889.