AUCKLAND FISH MARKET.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1755, 21 May 1913, Page 5

AUCKLAND FISH MARKET.

MUNICIPAL ENTERPRISE,

IMMEDIATE START PROPOSED.

(By Telozranh.— Special Correspondent.) Auckland, May 20. For many years Auckland lias discussed tho pros and cons concerning the establishment of municipal fish murlcetS' and at last something deQiute is to be done in the matter. On Monday the Mayor (Mr. C. J. Parr) met the chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr. Giinson) and inspected several sites with a view to selecting a suitable snot for a building. It is intended that the new city markets in Customs Street West shall includo up-to-date fish markets, but it yiU probably be two years _at least before tho big market scheme is accomplished, and the mayor thinks that tho public has waited quite long enough for municipal control of the fish market. Accordingly, iu company with Mr. Guusoru he several points along the waterfront this morning, and ultimately an excellent *ito was agreed upon on tho , ne \Vn CC *r£ t'ion area adjoining Goldie s Mill. Ihe Harbour Board will drive the piles to give tho necessary framework, and, the Mayor has instructed the City kwjinoer (Mr Bush) to proceed forthwith with tho plans for a building, 70ft. by 30it. lho building will-not.be of a pretentious nature, since it will only ' )B elected, to servo the purpose until the new municipal •markets L t'ustoms Street are «ad£ The whole scheme is to bo submitted by tho Mayor to a special meeting ot tlie City Council next week, and if the scheme is approved, a municipal fish market mil be established in Auckland immediately. The system which will apply at the municipal fish market will be sirnnnr to that operating in Sydney and elsewhcr*.. There will be a slab for each fisherman s catch, and the fish v/ill bp sold by auction in lots to suit purchasers. In this way shopkeepers, hotel and restaurantkeepers, accommodation house proprietors, hawkers, and the general public win be able to buy in quantities to suit their requirements. At present there is a nysk'lii obtaining in Auckland by winch the fisherman arc compelled to restrict their catches. Under tho municipal scheme there will be no such restriction. All the fresh fish available will ba accepted each day, and the fishermen will receive tho •amount forthcoming at auction, minus a *mall percentage for auctioneering. A "smoker" will be established in connection with ths mart, and when file supply exceeds the demand the surplus can be saved by smoking. In this way. it is bslicved that the public will be served with a regular supply of fresh fish at reasonable rates. Thei members of the Auckland fishing fleet are being asked this week to acquaint the Town Clerk with particulars as to what extent they arc prepared'to assist tho scheme for the immediate establishment of a municipal fish market.