FISHING INDUSTRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 November 1941, Page 4

FISHING INDUSTRY

WORKING UNDER GREAT DIFFICULTIES. SHORTAGE OF SHIPS & MEN. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, November 12. The effect on the fishing industry of the commandeering of fishing trawlers by the Admiralty for minesweepers was commented on by Mr A. F. Jagger, chairman, at the annual meeting of Sanford Ltd. “When trawlers were commandeered over a year ago we were in the fortunate position of having large quantities of good stocks, enabling us to keep up supplies through a lean period, but such stocks are not available this year. Large areas where the boats formerly worked have been closed because of floating mines.” Mr Jaggar paid a tribute to the fishermen and sailors who, through all weather, day and night, operated in these dangerous areas.

The past year had seen a desperate scarcity of fish throughout the North Auckland, Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty districts, and there was a continual call from southern districts for supplies. Sandford Ltd., like the industry as a whole, were experiencing great difficulty in securing satisfactory labour. The Price Tribunal had not allowed an increase to fishermen for certain months of this year, but he felt it would be necessary to pay fishermen an increase the whole year round if the company was to secure supplies.