THE HARVEST OF THE SEA.
[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECEATOR.V]
have read with much interest the article with reference to our fish supplies in the Spectator of December 22nd. It has taken a long 'war, with the prospects of a shortage of food, to bring this nation to appreciate the tremendous wealth of our fisheries and the great value of fish as a food. I take exception to the statement that " the interests of the trade and the public are in direct opposition." The members of the trade (at least those that count) know that a dear article drives the public away, and it is much better for all concerned when prices are reason- able. The causes of the extremely high prices ruling at present are, as most people know, due to the fact that the bulk of our ships are in Admiralty service, and the men are struggling most heroically to keep the seas clear of enemy mines and submarines so the merchantmen may come and go. This means the number of boats left for fishing purposes is very small, consequently the supply of fish is not nearly equal to the demand. No one can say the trade has not been progressive. In pre-war days special boats were built to fish all round the coasts of Iceland; vessels were also sent to the North Cape of Norway and the Siberian coast, very often at a great loss to owners. It is up to the Government (after the war) to give every assistance to the trade in enabling them to re-establish the fishing industry on a very much higher level, and to give particular attention with respect to distribu- tion (which means everything in this trade), so that the public may get a splendid food at a very reasonable cost—I am, Sir, &c.,
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