“DISCUSS PLANS FOR NEW TUNA ASSOCIATION – Meeting to discuss plans for the formation of a new Tuna Packers Association – Representatives of *EIGHT* (8) San Diego, San Pedro, and Long Beach fish canneries assembled at the SAN DIEGO ATHLETIC CLUB (1250 6th St.) at noon today. The meeting was called following the DISSOLUTION on Tuesday, at Los Angeles of the state-wide CALIFORNIA FISH CANNERS’ ASSOCIATION. Representatives of firms present at today’s meeting included: brothers HARRY & CHARLES HALFHILL, of the HALFHILL PACKING CORP. in Long Beach; J. GIACOMINI of ITALIAN FOOD PRODUCTS CO. in Long Beach; SAM HORNSTEIN of COAST FISHING CO. at Wilmington; R. HOPKINS of COHN-HOPKINS, INC. in San Diego; EARL NEILSON for K. HOVDEN CO. in San Diego; WILEY V. AMBROSE and PAUL STEELE of WESTGATE SEA PRODUCTS CO. in San Diego, and WILBUR WOOD of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FISH CORP. in San Pedro. A representative of the FRANCO-ITALIAN PACKING CORP. was also expected to be present. At Tuesday’s meeting, the state-wide organization was *liquidated*, bringing to an end cooperation between a score of California fish packers, with a combined yearly output valued at $35,000,000 (equivalent to $692,311,698 today – ed.). Only, ah… ‘DIFFERING INTERESTS’ between Northern and Southern California were declared ‘responsible’ for the break. Today’s meeting brought together the Southern California tuna packers, seeking plans for stabilizing the prices of canned fish, standardizing pack types, and the restriction of this summer’s bluefin catch. A united campaign of advertising also is contemplated.”
(*Source: San Diego EVENING TRIBUNE – Friday, May 22, 1931 – Pg. 13)