Page 3 Advertisements Column 1

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 186, 19 August 1901, Page 3

At the Police Court on Saturday before Mr H. W. Brabant, S.M., Alber-' Sanford was charged that on two oc casions he did have in his possessio two schnapper of less weight than one pound .avoirdupois. Mr Sanford pleaded g-uilty, and said that the two charges were the first of their kind relating to schnapper that had been brought in Auckland since the passing of the Act in 1896. The section prohibiting- the possession of schnapper under one pound weight was unfair to the trawling- industry. The fish when broug-ht to the surface were either dead or so weak that they were an easy prey to their natural enemies, and consequently it was useless proceeding- to throw them overboard. Further, the number of schnapper of less weight than one pound taken in trawling was very small, and it would be a great trouble to pick them out. He understood that the whole question of trawling was under the consideration of the Government, and in view of the circumstances he asked His Worship to inflict a nominal penalty. The sub-inspector said the proceedings had been taken as a result of certain complaints that it was common practice to keep fish below the minimum weight. Mr Sanford had given the police every assistance in the matter. His Worship said it appeared that the 1896 Sea Fisheries Act had been framed before the trawling industry had been established. He would fine the defendant the minimum fine of £1, with costs.. Large shipment of linoleums just opened, very choice patterns, large dange to select from; call early and inspect.—Tonaon Garlick Co.—Ad.