FISH.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1044, 8 June 1883, Page 2

FISH.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Frequent complaints are heard here by new-comers and others as to prevalent scarcity of fresh fish, which appears to be a peculiarity in this populous community. Some say there is not enough sale for them; others, that a fisherman could not live-hut this is absurd. Everybody knows fish can be obtained at storekeepers—entombed in tin boxes and cases, preserved Egyptian mummy fashion—in abundance ; but insipidity reigns supremo -for want of the genuine articles, which one tastes once every three months. Now that two vessels are trading regularly, a supply could surely be sent at intervals, taking into consideration that. Wellington has some 10 or-20 piscalors' constantly plying their vocation, and exporting the finny tribe miles up-country. Or, better still, as local industries are always the cry in new colonies—why cannot Patea go in for fishing on her own hook ? The question is easily answered and' may be as easy performed. A competent man, with a trifling capital, say £SO or thereabouts, obtains a substantial decked boat that could cross the bar; in rough weather curing would be carried on, and, no doubt, it would turn out a splendid investment. If all the foregoing.is improbable, a small company might be inaugurated and pay a man, and, if properly managed, success would be certain. ‘ That Patea should be behind towns of less importance is ridiculous, considering we have the ■ same advantages, , possessing nearly every luxury, yef not this, the most healthgiving one.—Yours, &c., .Alive Oh !