PROBLEMS IN THE FISH BUSINESS IS 



Montreal, from a point of shipment in Nova Scotia, were charged at 

 the full express rate for smaller quantities, when the express company 

 learned that the Government would not pay one third of the charges, 

 in view of the fact that the shipment amounted to a sufficient quantity 

 for a carload lot. In my opinion express companies should be com- 

 pelled to quote a lower rate on carlots than they charge on smaller 

 shipments, because it is not always possible to use the freight service 

 in view of the distances traversed and consequent length of time the 

 fish must be in transit. 



Distribution 



Present The method now obtaining for marketing fish is to 



Method of ship quantities to centres where distribution can be 



made most readily and under best conditions ; in most 

 of the large cities the wholesale firms have modern cold-storage 

 facilities for the safe handUng and carrying of fish, and these, in turn, 

 distribute to retailers in their various cities, as well as to small towns 

 and villages within a certain radius. Before re-shipping, the fresh 

 fish are packed with ice in suitable carriers and are delivered to the 

 retailer within a few hours, the time varying according to distance. 

 During the winter months the fish can be carried safely by freight, 

 but, during a large portion of the year, it is necessary that transpor- 

 tation be made by express to insure prompt delivery. 



It might be said, in connection with the distribution 



5*^*i. J to the ultimate consumer, that the methods now 



Fish Trade , . . , 



obtammg vary to such an extent as to leave no room 



for comparison. While it is claimed by some that the distribution of 

 fish to consumers should be made from special fish shops, or markets, 

 it must be remembered that this is not possible while the demand is of 

 limited proportions and, in ray opinion, much larger quantities will be 

 consumed by obtaining the widest possible distribution through the 

 medium of dealers handling other commodities, provided, of course, 

 that sufficient care and attention is given to the handling of such a 

 highly perishable product as fresh fish. 



In our country the sale of fish has not assumed anything like the 

 volume that should obtain, not only in view of the fact that fish is 

 an excellent substitute for high-priced foods, like meats and poultry, 

 on which prices are continually advancing, but also because fish is 

 nutritious, containing all the necessary properties, and should be- 

 come a staple article of food in our Canadian homes, instead of 

 being, as at present, an occasional substitute or, in some cases, a com- 

 pulsory change from the regular menu. No great difficulty has to be 



