CONTROL OF SEA FISHING

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25549, 17 July 1948, Page 8

CONTROL OF SEA FISHING

INCREASED PENALTY FOR POACHING (P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 16. The maximum penalty for poaching in restricted waters is increased from £lOO to £5OO by a clause dealing with sea fisheries in the Fisheries Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives to-day. The Minister of Marine (Mr F. Hackett) said the bill consolidated several amendments, and contained provisions deemed necessary by the Marine Department, the Internal Affairs Department, and acclimatisation societies. The prohibition on the export of fish caught in New Zealand territorial waters is extended by another clause to apply to fish caught outside territorial waters by fishing boats licensed as such in New Zealand. The maximum penalty for destroying saltwater fish by explosives is increased from £2O to £lOO. The bill makes it clear that the forfeiture of boats and fishing gear which have been used illegally is dependent on the conviction of the offender. The maximum penalty for wilful destruction of fish suitable for human consumption is increased from £lO to £5O. A section of the bill deals with fresh water fisheries. Penalties of a £lOO fine or imprisonment up to two months are fixed for the taking of fish by explosives, or by the deliberate use of poisons. Provision is made for the taking of fish or ova for scientific investigation. PARLIAMENTARY DAY

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, July 15. The first phase of the present session of Parliament ended this afternoon when the Address-in-Reply debate was closed, after a brief speech by the mover, Mr W. Freer (Government, Mount Albert). . , To-day’s speeches were unexciting, although three Ministers—Miss M. B. Howard, Mr T. H. McCombs and Mr E. T. Tirikatene —all spoke. Mr McCombs gave some illuminating figures about future education policy; in which he said that one in every five pupils passing the school certificate examination would have to enter the Teachers’ Training College if the Government aim of sufficient teachers was to be realised. The Minister of Health, Miss Howard, replying to the address by Mrs G. H. Ross (Opposition, Hamilton) said that the statement that old people and the newly born were unwanted, was cruel and untrue. The member of the Executive Council representing the Native race, Mr Tirikatene, was another of several speakers who discussed the forthcoming Royal visit. The House rose at 4.3 p.m. until Tuesday afternoon.