TROUT FISHERIES

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 36, 12 February 1936, Page 13

TROUT FISHERIES

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

DIVERGENCE OF VIEWS

"There is a great divergence of views in Rotorua, Taupo, and Tokaanu, on the ever-vexed question of vvhat should be done to improve the trout fisheries," remarked the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry), who returned to Wellington this morning ! after an investigating tour lasting ten I days in the districts mentioned. "There 1 did not seem to me to be any j unanimity of opinion existing on any I particular need or requirement, real or imaginary, among any set of fishermen and others interested, in any one of these famed fishing grounds in the thermal territority. 1 met, either by deputation or personal contact, many estimable men; they all had suggestions —the lowering or raising of the lakes, the re-stocking of the waters, the feeding of trout, the erection of groynes in the world-famed Tongariro River, the engagement of additional fish experts; the deviation of present access tracks to lake and river, the construction of new ones, and access rights generally —but not one suggestion tallied, or could be made to work in with the other. '' But I was able to gather much valuable information for. my guidance in the administration of the department which was worth going all the way from Wellington to obtain. The kindly spirit permeating all concerned enabled me to see everything of moment, and my knowledge of the trout fisheries and all that they mean to New Zealand has been enriched. There are in my opinion many matters that could do with improvement, or which could be abolished altogether to make way for more modern ways in keeping with these progressive times. These matters —I cannot indicate them at present— I will make my first consideration with, I hope, satisfactory results." Mr. Parry said that much of the criticism voiced at meetings he had attended was justified. "But it is the future with which I am concerning myself," the Minister said. "It does not matter to the Government or to me now what happened in the past; it is our aim to get things right—to see the fisheries efficiently administered and still further developed along lines which will enhance their reputation."