Bass Ruled Out In Northland

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31775, 4 September 1968, Page 16

Bass Ruled Out In Northland

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Sept. 3. The Government had decided not to authorise the introduction of large-mouth bass into the coastal sand-dune lakes of North Auckland, the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott) said in Parliament today. Mr V. F. Cracknell (Social Credit, Hobson) had asked the Minister when the Government would introduce large-mouth bass to the western lakes of Northland, because trout did not thrive in Northland lakes and streams. Mr Scott said he had referred the question of the in-

troduction of further game fish to the Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Council at its annual meeting in April. The council had appointed a subcommittee to study the matter and make recommendations.

Meanwhile, as an interim measure, the Secretary for Marine had authorised the release of trout fingerlings into Lake Taharoa, near Dargaville, to provide some sport fishing, he said.

“1 have offered to meet all acclimatisation societies in Northland and discuss the matter further with them. “I have asked the societies to consider introducing other game fish.” said Mr Scott. The Government would continue, within the limits of available financial and other resources, to take all possible steps to strengthen New Zea-

land’s fisheries research organisation and activities, the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott) said. He had been asked by Mr C. J. Moyle (Lab., Manukau) to comment on a reported statement by Mr G. D. Waugh about the inadequacy of New Zealand fishery research. MILK PRICE

The reduction in the price for milk to town milk producers would not affect consumer prices, said the Minis s ter of Agriculture (Mr Talboys). Mr C. J. Moyle (Lab., Manukau) had asked if the price reduction would be passed on to the consumer.

Mr Taiboys said that except for a slight adjustment in the price when decimal currency was introduced, standard prices for town milk had not been changed since 1964.

There were no plans at present to establish a national shipping line or to invest in an overseas shipping line, the Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Marshall) said. Answering Mr R. M. Bar. clay (Lab., New Plymouth), the Minister said there had been considerable public discussion in New Zealand about the feasibility of, and prospects for, a national shipping line.

The Exports and Shipping Council was making a detailed examination of various forms of increased New Zealand participation in overseas shipping, including a national shipping line, and the council had invited a wide range of groups and individuals to make representations. The Government had taken an active interest in the various proposals.