Interview with John Meredyth-Young

John Meredyth-Young recalls joining industry in 1973 as a student working for Associated Fishermen. Mentions Norman Wells, Charlie and Alan Guard and King-Turners. Refers to three fishing companies, Talleys in Motueka, Wonder Foods (became Sealord) and Nelson Fisheries (owned by Valour[?] family). Discusses early boats; `Aurora' owned by the Hosies; `Marina' owned by Wells family; `Surprise'; `Destiny G'; `Nicholene' and the `Victory'. Mentions: Bob Hickman, Bert Batenberg, Yealand family, Bruce Hearn, George Jones, Molly Godsiff, Colin Wells, Tom Reeves (Wairau Fisheries), and Stony Burke who worked for Sandfords as assistant fisherman on Pelorus Trader. Other topics discussed include: float and line; work as adviser for MAF helping people start up; spat catching and discovery of source at Kaitaia and seeding with mussock; own farm at Snapper Point, Kenepuru; McFarlanes, with reference to extract pill and FDA; replacement of Spanish lace with Mussock; formation of Mussel Industry Council which helped to establish restaurant market in Europe and USA, and establishment of Clark Island Company.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Interviewer(s) - Carol Dawber

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007894

Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 45 Minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2121.

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.