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Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 209, 23 May 1918, Page 4

Commenting on tho municipal fish market business, the Mayor of Auckland stated that the council was still obligod to work with the smaller of tbo two trawlers owned by the muncipality, and while tho supply of iish, owing to arrangements made, had considerably increased during tho last six weeks, it wits still inadequate for tho demand. It was uncertain when the large trawler would bo availablo, but as soon as possible the' vessel would bo ro-engaged in the industry. Tho enormously iucreasod cost of running the trawlers, both in respect to supplies and wages, was making it almost impossible to keep prices for fish down to the low figures at which tho council had been for some time selling to distributors and tho public. The matter had been fully discussed, and the Markets Committee had been directed by the council to maintain tho old rates' if possible, but if circumstances determined otherwise they would still endeavour to keep tho price us low as possiblo. It was realised that tho cheap supply of fish in Auckland had afforded much relief in Tespoct to the cost of living. Fish was sold in Auckland at a cheaper rate than in any other part of the Dominion. Notwithstanding the loss of one of tho trawlers for three months, 1482 tons of fish had been obtained by trawling during tho past twelve months. In addition, about 3.50 tons had passed through the market from line fishermen, making a total of 18.32 tons handled by the council. Tho Major added that, if to tse council siippiy were added the quantity marketed separately by other firms it would be soon what an important factor in tho food of the people the fish supply of Auckland had become. ' Tho ,fact that fish could be bought in Auckland for 3d. a pound indicated what a benefit had been conferred on the community an a result of fhe efforts of tho counpil.