THE FISHING INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1919, Page 5

THE FISHING INDUSTRY.

•• IMPORTANT ACTION BY 1 MINISTER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Minister'for Marine, in a statement re the fishing industry, said he felt it was the duty of, the Department to give every possible ass\stunce in increasing the supply of fish to the people of the Dominion. He was astisfi'ect that the fisheries were capable of producing a very large supply of necessary food, and special attention and assistance should be given to the industry at the present time. He proposed to recom-. mend the Government tliat advances should be made to fishermen for the purchase of suitable boats and fishing outfits, that the State Fire Insurance Department should provide cover Rtrainat loss or damage to fishermen's bont3; that the erection of fish chilling and ice-making plants in outlying parts of the coast shtuld be provided to prevent the loss of fish during the warm weather, and to ensure all fish reaching the market in a fresh condition; that fishermen should be encouraged to go in for purse seining bj which fish could be taken in large quantities, and at small cost, in comparison with trawling. He proposed also to suggest a bonus on fish canned and cured for export, and on the production of a fertiliser made from fish offal and unmarketable fish, and that the 'Government take steps further to provide the necessary supplies of benzine, lubricating oils, netc, netting twine, hoofcg, lines, etc., which ere* required bf those engaged in the fishing industry. With respect to the latter suggestion, Mr. Wilford said ihe Government had already authorised him to forward to England an order for £2OOO Worth of nets, in order that some immediate relief should be given to those in the industry.

The Minister said he proposed to instruct Mr. Ayson to visit New South Wales and Queensland for the purpose of personally observing State and other methods of fishing, packing, transportation, and conveyance inland by railway, also for studying and obtaining firsthand detailed information and plans an to the method of artificial oyster culture.