Swordfish

Interest In Fiji's

That swordfish inhabit Fijian waters has long been known.

But we do not know where they are to be found in sufficient num bers to establish deep-sea fishing as a sport, nor the more favourable months.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hayford, of Midland, Texas, US, concluded in April three months of exploration in Fiji waters under weather con ditions which were not favourable for fishing, and the results were disappointing. Off Wakaya, Mrs.

Hayford landed a silver marlin of record size; but during the landing deep-sea fishing rules were in fringed and a record could not be claimed.

The late Mr. Watson, owner of Wakaya Island, and a man of wide experience in deep-sea fishing in New Zealand and Fiji, several years ago made a report for Govern ment on this subject. According to this report the Hayfords came at the wrong time of the year. The general opinion of fishermen is that swordfish are more plentiful be tween April and June.

The theory is that during these months they migrate to New Zea land, passing through Fiji—a theory not yet established. If the season stated is correct it would be a suit able time of the year to attract

visitors, particularly if the season was found to extend later than June.

The establishment of the sport would add to the variety of Fiji’s tourist attractions. But, in the be ginning, a subsidy might be neces sary to encourage anyone to build and equip a suitable boat for a purely seasonal occupation.

t A Navy ship from Manus with 20 ratings on board arrived at Lae on a four-day visit on June 16.

Their object was to collect and transport furniture to Manus, but the opportunity was taken to send a team to play Rugby League against Lae, and a tennis team.

Lae won the football but were beaten at tennis