THE AMERICAN FISHERIES QUESTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 40, 15 February 1894, Page 2

THE AMERICAN FISHERIES QUESTION.

The following extract from a recent circular, issued by an American firm, shows how fishery disputes originate. It states : " It is a matter of much congratulation to all concerned in packingsalmon in Alaskawater3 that the attention of the Congress of the United States is being drawn to the fact of the falling off of supplies of Ssh at _ many points operated, as a result of unlimited fishing, and the asking for salutary laws for the protection of salmon in these waters, and the consequent perpetuation of the industry, and ib is to be hoped that laws may be enacted to such an end, of less elasticiby. than those in force in the neighbouring waters of Canada, where, during the yoar just passed the ' close season' was encroached upon sufficiently, it is reported, to increase the pack 100,000 cases, by ap-pealing-to the Commissioners in charge, and representing that, it was a shame to stop packing when fish wore running bo freely, all of which enabled the canners in that section to increase their output: sufficiently to affect prices materially, to the disadvantage of the early purchasers who counted upon the law terminating the time of fishing being enforced. If laws in Alaska are enacted, we trußb they will be definite in their provisions, and not subject to change at the willj)r upon the judgment of Commissioners in charge." ..,.-..,