Fish farming

Press, 23 April 1979, Page 16

Fish farming

Sir, — I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Fred Sluis and Tony Orman for their contribution to the pro argument on fish farming. Both have relied on subjective and emotive arguments which are based on hearsay and consequently reduce their credibility, thus substantiating the points I made in my letter of April 9. Statements out of context and broad generalisations (99 per cent of New Zealanders could not afford trout) do not really build a strong case against trout farming. — Yours, 'CHARLIE McAHEALEY, West Melton. April 20, 1979. Sir, — The letter from Tony Orman (April 20) stating that Mr Neil Isaac admitted no export potential for trout farming and on the national farming programme revealed that farmed trout would retail at $lO a kg is nonsense. Mr Isaac has shown me inquiries from Italian trout farming interests which could lead to a multi-million dollar export industry in “eyed ova.” This particular group were wishing to buy 50 million “eyed ova” from New Zealand and the going rate is $8 a 1000 On “the radio programme, which I organised, Mr Isaac did not say what the price of locally sold trout would be. He said they were selling for $6.50 a kg in Australia. Perhaps Mr Orman would care to present some scientific or factual evidence to support his opposition to another person’s freedom to develop an industry with export potential. — Yours, etc.,

MALCOLM BARRER, Rural Broadcasts Officer, Radio New Zealand. April 1979.