AFTER BIG FISH

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 480, 9 October 1928, Page 11

AFTER BIG FISH

AMERICAN’S 30,000-MH.E TOUR WOOL MANUFACTURER ARRIVES "'hen Mr. George A. Oakes left his home in Sloomfield, U.S.A., last month, it was the beginning of a 30,000-mile tishing trip. Although, he is the head of one of the largest woollen manufacturing firms in the United States (Thomas Oakes and Co.), he can find time to explore the fishing grounds of the world. Mr. Oakes arrived by the Niagara yesterday afternoon and will spend some months in the Dominion, trout and deep-sea fishing. He is one of the most enthusiastic fishermen in the States, and holds many records. For years he has been listening to New Zealand fish stories and tales of the beauties of this Dominion. A month ago he made up his mind to investigate the possibilities for himself, and now here he is. complete with the most up-to-date tackle he can find. After fishing New Zealand Mr. Oakes will go on to Australia, where he hopes to find some tarpon worthy of Ills experience. Then he will make tor South Africa, on to Kngland and from there back to America. “Our people are becoming more and. more interested in your country,” said .Mr. Oakes to-day, “and you will find that more and more tourists will come down each year/’ The firm of which Mr. Oakes is a member uses over 2,000,0001 b. of grease wool each year in the manufacture of woollen material for uniforms. Practically all the uniforms worn in the United —military, traffic, police, navy, etc., etc:, are made from cloth from the Oakes mills. Most of the wool used is grown in e “- About 25 per cent, is im- ?° r *' 3< V fr ? m Australia, but none from New Zealand, as our product is not fine enough in quality. “This year we are buying at about cent, cheaper than last year,” said Mr. Oakes, “but I think the price

for the new season's woo) will go up. There is a good demand for New Zealand and Australian wools in the States.”

He stated that the textile trades are in low water at the moment, and that more general business is wanted urgently. Without this the depression will continue.