["The Fish Supply", The Western Mail (Perth, WA), Friday 04 December 1914, page 19]
THE FISH SUPPLY.
ANOTHER STATE ENTERPRISE.
THE SCHEME OUTLINED.
The small steam whaler Fynd, which has baen chartered by the Government, is at present on her first voyage in connection with an enterprise entered upon by the Government, having for its object the cheapening of the cost of fish to the public. The Fynd is expected to return to Fremantle with her first consignment to-day.
With the object of ascertaining some particulars of the Government's latest venture in State enterprises, one of our representatives waited on the Colonial Secretary (Mr. Drew) on Wednesday. Mr. Drew, who is the Ministerial head of the Fisheries Department, stated that in common with other Ministers, he had long held the belief that something should be done to reduce the price of fish to the consumer. Though our coastal waters teemed with fish, the price at which the commodity had been sold in the past had been so high that this very necessary article of diet had been a luxury. Attention was given to the question when the present Government assumed office, but as the State had entered upon larger and what were regarded as more important ventures, he decided to hold his hand. The outline of the scheme, however, had been drawn up, and the matter then left in abeyance. Recently, owing to the war and other causes, the probability appeared imminent that food supplies generally would go up in price, and it occurred to him that the time was opportune to take steps to provide the people with a reliable fish supply at reasonable rates. The department did not rush into the matter, but it was given careful consideration by the departmental expert. Certain facts and figures were placed before him, and with the approval of Cabinet, it was decided to embark on tho undertaking and approve of the necessary expenditure.
Mr. Drew added:--"For the present, fish will be sold by the Government at the Perth Markets. The reason why a start was not made simultaneously at Fremantle is that the requisite accommodation at Fremantle markets is not available. That question, however, is engaging attention, and it is hoped shortly to give the people of Fremantle and other centres the same facilities for obtaining cheap fish as will be available to Perth residents.
"The scheme contemplates the smoking of fish for the market, and to this end smokehouses are to be erected. In addition, when the scheme is in full operation, regular supplies of fresh fish, at the rate of about eight tons per trip, will be brought to the metropolis. Specially prepared ice-boxes have been obtained which will permit of the cargoes being handled expeditiously and transferred without exposure and unnecessary handling from ship to cool storage, thereby securing regularity of the supplies without the slightest danger of deterioration, It is, of course, too early to absolutely fix the price per lb. at which it will be possible to retail fish under the Government scheme; but I am confident that the price will show a substantial reduction on the high prices hitherto ruling, and still allow a fair margin. It is not the desire of the Government to make big profits, but merely to enable the public to obtain cheaper fish.
The Chief Inspector of Fisheries is making a trip in the Fynd, and on his return the Minister expects to be in possession of further information and the necessary data to enable the enterprise to be put on a sound business footing. Such further information, covering the date of opening, retail prices, etc., will be notified to the public in due course.
