Bass Wanted In N.Z.

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30769, 5 June 1965, Page 16

Bass Wanted In N.Z.

(N Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 4. The Marine Department favoured the introduction in New Zealand inland waters of large-mouthed bass said the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott) in Parliament today. Replying to a question from Mr L. F. Sloane (Govt.. Hob-, son), he said the depart-! ment's director of research!

I had recently visited the i United States to investigate | the position. j Asked by Mr Sloane when ! large-mouthed bass would be I introduced to the lakes of ! Northland, Mr Scott replied: ; “At present I am unable to say when the final decision ! will be made.” . The president of the North ! Island Acclimatisation Society’s council (Mr R. J. Cowie) has challenged the Tongariro and Lake Taupo (Anglers’ Club to produce evidence that the introduction of j large-mouth bass in New Zealand would destroy trout fish ' iing.

He said the negative attitude adopted by an illinformed minority to the introduction of large-mouth bass was a dis-service to thousands of people who could enjoy freshwater fishing close to home if bass were introduced. “Anglers in the Taupo and Tongariro areas have all the freshwater fishing they want, but those in Northland and Auckland have none,” Mr Cowie said. Several American state fisheries divisions had trout and large-mouth bass living in harmony in the same waters in many areas.