PILOT RETIRING

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1931, Page 8

PILOT RETIRING

INTERESTING CAREER

SEARCH FOR FISHERIES

OAMARU, January 26

A well-known figure to captains of coastal and overscan vessels visiting Oamaru during the past twenty years, Mr J?'. Steele, pilot launchnum to the Harbour Board, has retired from his position owing to ill-health.

He has, had many interesting experiences while in the board’s employ, including the towing of the Manurewa, the last square-rigged sailing vessel to call at the port, about fourteen years ago. She was due at Oamaru with a cargo of Australian hardwoods. Site was becalmed off Piikeuri Point and short of supplies. Arrangements were made with Mr Steel.e to tow her in, and the distance of four miles was covered in four hours.

An interesting discovery was made on one occasion when Mr Steele was prospecting for new fishing grounds. He was taking soundings twenty-four miles off Oamaru. At one particular place it wasi impossible to find a bottom, although tested to a depth cf 440 fathoms. Mr Steele believes there is an extinct volcano there and his belief is strengthened by the fact that grappling irons brought to the surface rock showing a volcanic substance. When his services were not required by the Harbour Board Mr Steele spent a great deal of time deep-sea fishing and locating new grounds. After twenty years’ experience he is firmly of the opinion that fish are by no means so plentiful off Oamaru and Moeraki as they were a number of years ago; and he stresses the fact that deep-sea fishermen are obliged to spend considerable time prospecting for new grounds. Adverse weather conditions and a falling market during the past few months have resulted in a lean time for these men. Prior to coming to New Zealand Mr Steele worked on the goldfields of Victoria, at one time being in charge of the Golden Stream battery.