Trawling.

Manawatu Herald, 24 June 1899, Page 2

Trawling.

We have at times tried to induce persons connected with the fishing business to try trawling on this coast, and to a correspondent's letter the editor of the Wanganui Herald appends the following note : — " We stated distinctly in the article in question that we had received our information from one engaged in the trade, who assures us that his figures are far nearer the truth than those of our Napier critics, who evidently do not want to lose so good a market as Wanganui and the other coastal towns on this side of the North Island. People who have a good thing on are always averse to having it cut into by others, and naturally try to make outsiders believe that they are hardly making both ends meet. That someone will exploit the trawling grounds along this coast before long there need not be much doubt, as there is a promising field of labour there for energetic, capable men, and a splendid market within easy distances for all the suitable fish they can catch." This supports the view we have also held and stated, but we might almost add that what is taking place each week shows that the regular fishermen neglect the living which moves past their doors. Our regular fishermen depend entirely on fixed nets, and the supply obtained does, not appear large judging by the scarcity of fish in the town. A business man in the Main street makes a practice to give half a day each week to catching fish for himself and the surplus he disposes of for sale. He goes with one other man with a draw net and gets at the least 50 flounders but generally more as his take for the last three weeks has been 80, 100 and iso.\ This shows that there are fish in plenty to be caught but who do not take the trouble to catch themselves. The fish are nearly all saltwater soles, which shows there must be many more in the sea, as the ones we have mentioned are caught in the river near the mouth.