THE FISHING INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1916, Page 4

THE FISHING INDUSTRY.

TRAWLER ARRIVES TO-DAY, Whilst the Taranaki sea coast !b lapped by waters that apparently abound with fish, it has often been commented on that the fishing industry has never been placed on a businesa footing, so that the towns in the province 'have had to mostly rely on outside supplies, sent by rail from Napier and elsewhere. 'The need for modern systematic methods of catching and marketing fish in this district -have often been urged, but with no avail until recently. This week, however, marks a distinct epoch in the Taranaki fishing industry, for an attempt, which, it is believed and hoped, will be attended by sin-cess, is being made to seriously cope with the question of a regular supply. This morning the s.s. Wckn, one of the New Zealand Trawling and Fish Supply Company's fleet of seven trawlers, arrives, and will make New Plymouth the base of lier operations along this coast. The company has already proved these waters, for during the past two winters the Nora Niveri; another of their fleet, has worked this coast from Wellington. It is intended to supply the needs of the company's customers as far as Dannevirke from lier#, and, should it be warranted, another of the company's trawlers will be stationed here.. The s.s. Weka is commanded by Captain Ormcs, and carries a, crew of nine. She lands plant here, and on Sunday morning will proceed to the fishing grounds, to which she will make daily trips. , She has a carrying capacity of 200 cases of fish, which are cleaned and packed in ice, a regular supply of which lias been arranged for, so that she can at will work at great distances from lier base. A Shed has* been secured on the wharf fof packing purposes, and it is expected shortly that the volume of trade will goon necessitate a packing shed being erected. Mr. R. S. Alward, of Napier, is general manager of the company, and Mr. G. H. C'arrington, manager of the despatch department, who has been connected with the industry all 'his life, both in Scotland and in Taranaki, hlave been here, completing the necessary arrangements. The company will supply, all ■ its present customers, who will gain the advantages of securing local fish, which will be on sale 24. hours sooner than if railed from Napier, and besides gain a considerable saving in freight. With regular supplies assured, it is probable that a prominent local business firm will open an up-to-date retail fish department. The trawler is no respecter of full, and it is certain that after her arrival several species that have not been very faniilifir to local tables will be seen here, including terekohi, hnpuka, halca, etc. ■ It is understood thai) the company intends giving one day's catch at an early date for local patriotic purposes.