Matthews. — Problems of Cotnmerciai Fisheries. 195 



should be given very serious consideration. Legislation with very 

 heavy penalties, prohibiting the discharge of polluting materials in 

 any fish-producing waters or in any stream emptying into such 

 waters, would undoubtedly be one of the means of reestablishing 

 in a very few years these former valuable fisheries. 



TRANSPORTATION AND DISTRIBUTION. 



Much has been written concerning transportation of fish and 

 products of the sea. Market conditions are of such a nature that 

 the wholesale selling price is not based on the cost of production, 

 but upon the law of supply and demand. 



The fisherman cannot store up his catch in anticipation of 

 favorable market conditions. He must ship his fish to the dis- 

 tributors at the earliest possible moment. Many times during 

 periods of glut his fish do not bring transportation charges, not 

 considering remuneration for his labor and cost of packages and 

 ice, nor the expense of the distributor in handing the fish. The 

 transportation company is practically secured against loss, as its 

 charges must be paid at time of delivery. 



It is of national importance to place on our markets, without 

 loss, but at reasonable prices, wholesome and nutritious foodfish 

 in good condition. Fish is the most perishable of all foods and 

 should receive the closest attention and preferential treatment. 

 Rapid and thorough distribution is a vital factor in the develop- 

 ment of the industry. To attain this end, better transportation 

 facilities are essential. Tariffs reduced to a reasonable rate, in- 

 sulated and refrigerated cars, with more efficient train service will 

 make it possible for fish to be carried to the most distant points 

 in perfect condition. 



The following extract from the address of former Senator 

 Beveridge in Indianapolis on June 7, 1922, applies very forcibly 

 to the fishing industry : 



The product of all labor must pay railway charges, and the price of 

 every article is affected by railway rates. Cost of living, scales of wages, 

 profit or loss of farmer, manufacturer and merchant, all depend on this 

 vital economic element, and whatever prevents reasonable railway tariffs 

 and sufficient railway facilities must be removed. 



Retail Distribution. — The retail distribution of fish is of vital 

 importance to the industry inasmuch as the average consumer 

 comes in contact with the industry, solely through the retail dealer. 

 Careless and unscrupulous dealers have created much prejudice 



