NINE SACKS FULL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 229, 27 September 1935, Page 8

NINE SACKS FULL.

MORE THAN FIFTY TOHEROAS

HONORARY INSPECTOR FINED,

| An honorary Inspector of fisheries was to-day prosecuted on summons by the Marine Department, in the Police Court, on two charges of breaches of the Fisheries Act. Defendant was H. C. Wheeler, who did not appear. He was charged with taking more than 50 toheroa9 at Muriwai Beach I on July 21, and also with having in his | possession toheroas, the shells of which wero less than 3in in length. Mr. R. Meredith, of the Grown Solicitor's office, prosecuted for the Department. Inspector Daniols, senior inspector of fisheries at Auckland, said he found Wheeler in possession of nine sugar sacks full of toheroas. He had over 1000 shellfish, many of which were under the required length. No one was allowed to take more than 50 toheroas. Mr. F. K. Hunt: What does the defendant do? "He is a farmer," said Mr. Meredith. "Ho was an honorary inspector of fisheries, and he has been written to and asked to return his warrant to the Department. Among other qualifications he is also a justice of the peace." (Laughter.) Inspector Daniels said lie questioned Wheeler as to what he wanted so many toheroas for, and Wheeler explained that ho intended giving them away to the poor. While admitting that he had no authority to take more than 50, Wheeler told him that Mr. Hefford, chief inspector of fisheries, had given him discretion in the matter. Mr. A. H. Hefford, who came specially from Wellington to give evidence, said defendant had never .received 6uch instructions from him. Wheeler was fined £2 and £3 13/ costs on the first charge and was convicted and discharged on the second.