FISH-LIVER OIL

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 14, 12 October 1943, Page 5

FISH-LIVER OIL

Production In Dominion Dominion Special Service. CHRISTCHURCH, October 9. , A new industry, that of rendering down fish liver for the oil product, has been licensed by the Government to an Auekland firm. The product, it is expected, will be produced in sufficient quantities to provide New Zealand with all medicinal requirements, as well as a certain amount for export. . Fish liver, rich in vitamins A and D oil. has before been discarded, but at present a considerable amount of money is being derived from the sale of the liver by fishermen to the rendering factories. In Lyttelton at present there is a consignment of about 70001 b. awaiting shipment. 'This consignment has been paid for at the rate of 9d. and lOd. per lb. „ , The liver is obtained from all classes of fish, but that of the larger fish, such as elephant fish, groper, shark and swordfish, is the most valuable. In the North Island, where shark and swordfish can be obtained, up to 2/- per lb. has been paid for shark liver, and more than that amount for swordfish liver. The saving of fish liver has been found necessary owing to (he difficulty of importing fish oil, which is in big demand for war purposes. A first-class plant is now situated in Auckland and there is a smaller plant at Wellington. . This plant is employed in producing infant food.

It is expected that smaller rendering plants will be installed at various ports, and the oil later forwarded in bulk for refinement at Auckland. .