1.—12

XXVII

include the establishment of factories for the utilization of fish-offal and fish-waste from the cleaning-sheds ; also the utilization of the vast quantities of coarse fish which are thrown back into the sea. Distribution. The Committee is of opinion that a reduction in price would certainly result from improved methods of transportation. Rapid transit from port to market and for distribution inland is essential if fish are to be distributed in good condition. It is also most important that improved and up-to-date fish-vans should be provided on our railways. Such vans attached to our fast trains, wherever practicable, would largely assist the development of the fishing industry, and provide supplies to inland towns. The Committee recommends that the retailing of fish be left to private enterprise under regulations governing the price. In this, however, as in other blanches of the industry, the pioneer work of New South Wales and Queensland will doubtless have many valuable lessons for this country, and it is recommended that an exhaustive report be obtained as to what is being done by these States. Whaling. The most pressing demand in this branch of the industry is that no persons should be permitted to kill or molest whales unless such persons are able to properly ileal with and utilize the whole of the carcase. It was urged by some witnesses that if licenses to engage in whaling are only to be issued subject to the licensee putting up an extensive plant to deal with the whole carcase the license should confer the sole right to whale within a limited area. The Committee endorses this view. Summary of Recommendations. The Committee's recommendations may therefore be summarized as follows : — (1.) That the Fisheries Department be administered as a separate division of the Marine Department, with a Director and staff. (2.) That the Government should acquire and work steam-trawlers, and should also establish fish-chilling and icemaking plants in proximity to the fishing-grounds, and engage generally in the business. (3.) That Government advances be made to fishermen on the security of their boats and fishing-outfit. (4.) That the fishermen's boats be insured by the State Office at a low rate. (5.) That a systematic, scientific, and practical survey of fishing-grounds be undertaken without delay, and that the Government purchase a properly constructed and equipped vessel for this work. ((!.) That Government assistance be given to encourage the canning, curing, and commercial preparation of fish food, special attention being given to the canning of crayfish. (7.) That encouragement be given for the manufacture of fish manure and the production of fish-oil (other than whale-oil). (8.) (a.) That a special license shall be issued to any person desiring to engage in whaling. (b.) Such license shall confer the right to whale in a certain defined portion of the coast, extending for a distance of not more than sixty miles and thus permitting whaling within a radius of thirty miles. (c.) The license shall provide for a site for a shore factory, and shall only be issued on condition that the applicant a guarantee and undertaking that he will forthwith establish an up-to-date plant capable of dealing with a certain number- ol' whales and of utilizing every portion of the carcase.