Local Fishing Industry.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 7 May 1913, Page 3

Local Fishing Industry.

Foi moro than a week past there has been a strike on in connection with, the local fishing industry, which has been as a protest against the Auckland dealers offering too sunJl a price for the fish in the cit}-, which sells at a good price, the dealers only offered isOd a dozen for mullet and is l^d for mixed sorts. Rather than work for next to nothing the fishermen therefore decided to goon strike. There can be no doubt whatever that the establishing of a local canning factory would place the industry ova firmer basis, and enable the fiisherinen to be more independent of the Auckland dealers. This is soon to be an accomplished faci:. As thu result of consultations with those engaged in the industry, Mr James Stewart is shortly to start a canning factory somewhat on the ec-operative principle. An arrangement has been made whereby I the fish will bo cured locally when there is a glut on the Auckland mar* ket and prices obtainable art, not profitable. A. price in excess of that paid by Auckland dealers for the mullet' has been agreed upon, and this commodity will undergo ths canning process, except when there are hi»h prices ruling in the city markets, In which case the fish will be sent straight away and the higher sum ob^ . tamed shared between Mr Stewart and i the fisherman. The position is now much better for , those engaged in the industry locally, . as they are assured of a "better rate oi pay and an available market, with the ? satisfactory knowledge that if the de- ] mand warrants marketing mullet inI stead of canning they will proportionately benefit. "You scarcely want your overcoat i to-day, sir," said a favoured parish- - ioner. "I know," replied the vicar, "but 3 my wife is interested in a jumble sale 3 just now, nnd when I carry my clothes t \ with, rue i liiio^v wnere they are.