FISHERMEN'S STRIKE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5095, 2 March 1927, Page 2

FISHERMEN'S STRIKE.

ALL BOATS IDLE AT THAMES. COMPANIES FEEL PINCH. Trouble has occurred amongst Thames fishing interests, with the result that no b°ats have been out since Thursday last, refrigerators are empty, and retail shops have closed (states the Thames Star). The industry is controlled at Thames by three companies, with refrigerating machinery, who last year sent 1290 tens of fish to all parts of the Island for a return of £26,000, and kept about 150 men in regular employment. About 70 of this number operate in the Firth of, Thames and Hauraki Gulf, and sell their hauls to the companies. Recently supplies 'fell short and the companies were asked to pay 2d per lb for schnapper instead of as paid to Auckland fishermen. This t,he companies agreed to, with the reservation that the position would be open to review should future conditions warrant it.

Local companies paying 2d per lb ta fishermen now find that they cannot compete with outside competitors paying per lb, and have advised the Thames Fishermen’s Union of their intention to reduce the payment te l)id per lb. Several conferences have been held between those interested, and the companies were given until noon yesterday t,c, accede to a request for 2d per lb. The request was declined, and the industry is at a standstill pending a settlement of the trouble.