The Daily News. MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1914. THE DEARTH OF FISH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 27, 22 June 1914, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1914. THE DEARTH OF FISH.

It is somewhat of a coinefdenee that while the Hon. F. M. Fisher has been sympathising with the Hauraki fishermen over their troubles, which chiefly consists of a protest against trawling ibeing allowed, and tho need for securing a market for Thames flounders, Professor Prince, the Commissioner of Fisheries in Canada, has been proclaiming his surprise that Christchureh, which should have, he considers, the cheapest and most plentiful supply of fish in the Dominion, was so poorly furnished in that respect. It may confidently be assumed that had the Professor bean at New Plymouth, he would have used exactly the same words in relation to the fish supply at this port. Tho Hauraki fishermen asked for a reduction of railway freights and for Government assistance in distribution. Professor Prince considers that the catches in Lyttelton harbor should be much larger than they are, and that the types of fishing boats were out of date. He was also of opinion that the method of handling fish was faulty, and that facilities for marketing, possibly by the institution of municipal or State subsidised markets,should be provided. That there is plenty of fish ho is confident, and tho faults pointed out by him and by the Hauraki fishermen in a great measure coincide. It is not with the position at Christchurch that there is any need to dwell upon, but Taranaki has every reason to be greatly disappointed with the fish supply which sometimes, though rarely, creates a glut, while for the most part the residents have to depend upon supplies brought from a long distance or do without the luxury—for fish is frequently a luxuiy, whereas it should be in constant supply as a staple article of food. Anyone who has a knowledge of the waters of tho coast from New Plymouth to Raglan and Kawhia is perfectly well aware that tliere is an ample supply of edible fish of several varieties, but of what use are denizens of the deep if they remain tliere merely as food for their own species? Tho Minister stated to the Hauraki deputation that he considered advances to fishermen should be made in the same way as to settlers. If he meant wliat -'he said and has tho courage of his opinions one great difficulty could be overcome. With up-to-date boats at the service of Ta'ranaki fishermen, there should be a regular supply of fish assured, but it will not do to put too union faith in that Ministerial utterance, for it seems too plausible to be reliable. What is wanted is that the fishing industry in Taranaki should be undertaken on business-like lines. The question of distribution need not cause any trouble if properly organised. The people are waiting anxiously for a regular supply, and the fish arc waiting to bo caught and marketed. J'rofessor Prinw laid great stress on the fact that an abundance of herring accounted for an abundance of other fish. In the Taranaki waters there are plenty of herring to attract the larger fish and there are also flat fish to be obtained by trawling. The enterprise is one that needs to be taken up, and that without delay. There is ample room and shelter for fishing boats in the harbor at Moturoa, and there is the chance that a Government subsidy might be obtained to start the industry. It only requires a modicum of public spirit, and the people of the province would receive a boon for which' they have long been '.raving in vain.