FISHING AT KAWHIA.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 241, 11 October 1929, Page 7

FISHING AT KAWHIA.

REGULATIONS RESENTED.

EXPLANATION" BY INSPECTOR

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

KAWHIA, Thursday.

The purpose of the fishing regulations was explained to a large gathering of Maoris by Captain C. Daniels, Inspector of Fisheries.

Mr. Marae Edwards declared that ever since Hoturoa landed In Kawhia in the Tainui canoe the Maoris had fished Kawhia waters with exactly the same method as they still adopted. In those eaily days there was an immense population around the harbour. He admitted that wire-netting was a new procedure, but asserted that the mesh was the same. The Maoris' fishing operations were carried out in the summer months, the surplus of every catch being sun-dried for winter consumption whereas the pakeha fishermen fished all the year round. He urged the reservation of certain areas for the exclusive use of private persons, whether pakeha or Maori, and that commercial fishermen should be kept outside those boundaries/

Captain Daniels replied that there was no intention on the part of the Government to interfere with Maori fishing rights, so long as they carried out their work in accordance with the regulations. The law was just as much for the benefit of the Maoris as for the Europeans and had been framed after long research to preserve the supply of fish. He said that the reservation of Kawhia waters was impossible, as his Department had issued licenses to certain fishermen who had invested considerable capital in it, and were making a living from the industry.

After further discussion Captain Daniels said their representations would receive every consideration. He would report favourably, and the Government would decide. The Maoris, however, must clearly understand that even private fishing must be carried on according to regulations.