SALE OF FISH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 20, 31 October 1944, Page 6

SALE OF FISH

POSITION IN GISBORNE

QUESTION IN THE HOUSE

A request to the Minister of Supply to arrange with the Bureau of Industries to visit Gisborne and take, evidence there from all interested parties with a view to securing improvements in the .sale and distribution of fish in that locality in order that the general public may obtain adequate supplies of fish that were, fresh and reasonable in price was made in tl.e House of Representatives in notice, of a question asked on behalf of Mr W. Sullivan (National, Bay of. Plenty). Mr Sullivan asked whether the Minister was aware that great expense was incurred by witnesses in travelling to Wellington to place their views before the Bureau, and in some cases, individuals were, prevented from doing so because of the expense entailed, Did the Minister know that many people in Gisborne and in other places were anxious and willing to purchase their supplies direct from the fishermen with advantage to both the fisherman and the consumer? Was tbc-Mini-ster aware of the, fact that the Bureau recently confirmed a Avholesale license to a firm of aliens, who were also retailers, which virtually perpetuated a monopoly in the Gisborne district to the detriment of ex-servicemen and others? Was the Minister aware of the fact that Tor many years the people of Gisborne enjoyed th e right to purchase fish at the wharf direct from the fishermen and after investigation, the. Sea Fisheries Commission recommended that although such method operated against the interest of the. retailers it was not considered sufficient-

ly serious to warrant a recommendation for its abolition? Mr Sullivan asked the Minister to give immediate consideration to the matters he had mentioned.;