FISHING FROM WHARVES,

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 13, 15 January 1918, Page 4

FISHING FROM WHARVES,

BY-LAWS TO BE ENFORCED. • Mr. H. D. Heather, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, remarked thie morning that owing to the increase in the practice of fishing from the wharves in the harbour it was most probable that steps would be taken to enforce the bylaws. It may not be generally known that it is against the law to fish from tha wharves, and thoso who argue that they have done it for years should be thankful they were not caught, as a fine might be imposed for the offence. The by-law has been repeatedly enforced in the past, and after each lull m operations the practice of fishing from the wharves is renewed. The Traffic Manager of the Board has now been instructed to report regarding the fishing going on at the wharves with a view to the Board taking action against the offenders. While it may seem a hardship to the fishers to be stopped from their enjoyment, the fact must not be overlooked that the Board has to consider the public interest, and there is always » certain amount of danger to passers by when the •sinker and hooks are being whirled round and round in the ajr before the line is thrown out. Another danger is to persons passing close to the wharves in launches and other small boats, for, when turning suddenly around a corner, if is very disconcerting, as well as dangerous, tohave sinkors and hooks whizz overhead into the water. The Board recognise that the same danger does not exist in respect to shipping on the outlying wharves, and it is probable that the by-law will not be strictly enforced at such points. The decision of the Board as to what shall be done in the whole matter will depend to a great extent! •upon the reports that are now in course of preparation by. the Traffic Minagei; and other officials.