STROKE HAULING.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20036, 18 September 1930, Page 15

STROKE HAULING.

ILLEGAL TAKING OF TROUT. ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY'S DECISION. The Council of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society decided last night to take certain steps for the purpose of effectively dealing with stroke hauling near the mouth of the Eakaia River. The subject came before the meeting as the result of the presentation of the following petition: "We, the undersigned anglers, holding licenses under you? Society, desire to draw your notice to, and request your urgent attention in suppressing the stroke hauling which takes place on the south side of the Jiakaia Hiver at the mouth. The. practice of this illegal and uusportsmanlike method ot taking trout has been increasing for some years until it has reached appalling proportions, and we are convinced that unless serious steps are taken in the near future to stop it, the Rakaia, which was formerly one of the best fishing rivers in the district, will b» completely ruined for anglers. Moreover, tlie stroke haulers haye been repeatedly seen instructing lads in this operation. We consider the situation demands the strongest measures in the interests both of anglers and sport." In the discussion which ensued the opinion was expressed that the only effective way to deal with the matter was to have two or three men at the mouth of the river during November, December, and January. Several instances were mentioned ot sledpes and carts leaving the banks of the river jaden with sacks of fish. It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Rangers and the Rakaia Committees with power to act. In committee, reports from the Rangers and Rakaia Committees on the I subject were discussed. On resuming, the chairman (Mr C. H. Lawrence) announced that the reports had been tidopted and that the Caknia Committee had been authorised to take the necessary steps to <leil with stroke hauling at the Rakaia River.