FISHING GROUNDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 107, 7 May 1936, Page 9

FISHING GROUNDS

NEW ZEALAND WATERS CONSERVATION EFFORTS [ Per Press Association ] WELLINGTON, May 5. The desire of the Government to conserve and protect the fishing grounds off the New Zealand coast was expressed by the Minister of Marine, Mr. P. Fraser, in answering a deputation representing Thames, Whangarei ana East Coast fishing interests which waited on him to-day. The Minister referred to the intercolonial complications likely to arise from the decision of an Australian trawling company to operate in the vicinity of the Dominion, and mentioned that there was even a suggestion of Australian interests entering the oyster trade in Foveaux Strait. “We know the trials and difficulties of fishermen and we arc fully in sympathy with them,” said Mr. Fraser. “It is not in the interests of anyone if the fishing beds of the Dominion are to be destroyed. The interests of the men who have devoted their lives to any avocation cannot be pushed lightly aside. Every effort will be made to overcome the present difficulties. The whole matter will be fully investigated and the fishermen can be assured of a fair deal.”