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THE FISHING INDUSTRY. The uneconomic conditions that were prevalent in this industry during 1932-33 were still apparent during 1933-34, but some change for the better has taken place. So long as the price of meat remains low the domestic demand for fish will be effected, and although the export of fish largely increased during the year, the prices remained at such a low level that those engaged in the industry find it very difficult to carry on. The production of " wet " fish during recent years has been as follows : —•

One of the most important events in this industry during the year was the re-opening of the Chatham Islands fishery by the trawler " South Sea." This vessel arrived from England and started operations early in 1933. As it was found that the bottom at the Chathams is unsuitable for trawling the vessel gets her catch by line-fishing, giving employment to a number of men at these islands who had not been able to fish for the market for some time previously. This vessel is equipped with refrigeration, so that the catch is landed in very good condition, much of it going on to Australia. The Chatham Islands cod has an excellent reputation for quality and size. It is gratifying to record a large improvement in the quantity of fish exported, the gains have principally been made in the Australian trade, but there was also a large increase in canned oysters and those coming under the heading of " Preserved, other kinds " to the United Kingdom as follows :—

Frozen Crayfish-tails. This industry, which started in a very modest way during 1932 owing to the initiative of one or two Dunedin fish-merchants, developed rapidly and gave every indication of attaining some importance. Shipments, which at first were confined to Dunedin, extended to Bluff, Lyttelton, and Auckland, and for the year ending 31st March, 1934, amounted to 2,728 cwt., valued at £9,288. The market is London, but, unfortunately, the trade received a setback during the year owing to the accumulation of stocks from South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, and shipments had to be stopped for several months. The imposition of a quota on the imports of frozen crayfish and canned crayfish into France operating from 28th January, 1934, has had the effect of further seriously curtailing this trade. Whilst the great bulk of our exports are shipped to London, a very large percentage were reshipped to France, and most of this trade has been lost for the present, at any rate. Belgium and Germany also took considerable quantities, but the duties in these countries have been raised so much that it is now almost impossible to do business. EGG-EXPORT INDUSTRY. The Poultry-runs Registration Act of 1933 will allow for closer co-operation between poultrykeepers in the Dominion for the better control of the industry and for better organized marketing both locally and overseas. Under the provisions of this Act a New Zealand Poultry Board has been set up consisting of two Government and four producers' representatives, who will look to the best interests of the industry as a whole. The Department has at all times been in close touch with the industry during the past year and reports upon overseas market prospects, which have been regularly received, have been passed on to the egg-exporting interests in the Dominion, to the Poultry Board, and to the New Zealand Poultry Association. At the request of the Department, the High Commissioner has submitted very complete and comprehensive reports upon the prospects of developing our market in the United Kingdom. Exports of eggs to the United Kingdom show a steady increase during the past four years, the figures being — Doz. £ 1930 .. .. .. .. .. .. 24,240 1,344 1931 .. .. .. .. .. .. 111,480 5,646 1932 .. .. .. .. .. •• 160,212 7,574 1933 .. .. .. .. •• •• 325,975 15,784

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Quantity. Value. Cwt. £ 1930-31 .. .. .. 369,346 406,675 1931-32 .. .. .. 318,956 311,199 1932-33 .. .. .. 287,979 290,016 1933-34 .. .. .. 313,319 283,107

i 1930-31. 1931-32. 1932-33. , 1933-34. I ' I I Frozen fish .. .. Cwt. 17,678 14,098 19,584 34,738 Fish, smoked, dried .. Cwt. 1,128 638 521 1,243 Potted or preserved in tins — Oysters .. ..lb. 15,079 69,497 51,620 128,028 Other kinds .. ..lb. 87,063 112,138 103,186 j 384,282