THE TROUT-FISHING SEASON.

Evening Star, Issue 12027, 27 October 1903, Page 7

THE TROUT-FISHING SEASON.

NEW SCALE OF FEES. [FSOH OUR WELLINGTON, October 27. When it was announced in same of the Southern papers a couple of weeks ago that the Fisheries Conservation Act Amendment Bill was to be dropped, I advised your readers that the statement was premature. This was found to be the case last night, when

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be Recommitted for the further consideration of a couple of clauses. One of these fixed the fishing season from October 1 to April SO. Sir Joseph Ward explained that- it was not proposed to alter the date of the opening, of the season, which was to be extended till April 30. provided that on the written application of any acclimatisation society the season might be restricted. Another point on which there was considerable diversity of opinion was in regard to the license fees, la order to meet the views of a number of members who hud interviewed him on behalf of acclimatisation societies, he proposed to strike out the words " and available throughout a provincial district, ten shillings" nod to substitute therefor the following fees: "For men (available throughout New Zealand), fll: for women and boys (attending school or trader sixteen years of agej, five. shillings, to be available throughout New Zealand for half a season. Licenses: Far single river licensed, and for licenses to fish for perch only, such a sum as may be fixed ly the Govemor-in-CouneiL" He thoughtthese proposed amendments would meet all objections. Mr Buddo expressed the opinion thai the proposed alteration would lead to no end of While recognising that the acclimatisation societies were deserving of encouragement, he protested against the license fees for men being increased to £l. Mr Hogg also regretted the proposed alteration. Instead of going forward, it was a retrograde move. He objected to acclimatisation societies catering exclusively for die wealthier classes, and introducing the. game laws of the Old Countay, instead of encouraging ail men to have opportunities! of angling. Mr Tanner urged fbat raising the fee* to £1 would bave the effect- of disquidifying the bulk of the laboring classes in the towns from fishing in the streams and rivers of the colony for perch and trout.

Mr Rutlrerford said that the streams in his district were stocked with tront, but it was only unsojihistieated totrrtsts who rook out licensee. —(Laughter.) The residents tickled and groped for tbimi.

Tire Colonial Secretary, when the Bill was reconnnitted, that if the fees were not- increased the acclimatisation societies' funds would be. crippled. The words " and ayailfiUe throarhout the provincial district " excised on a divisio;i by 34 to 28, and the new fees proposed by the Minister inserted. The clause as amended was then agreed to by 40 to 19. The new clause providing that the open season for trout-fjshms: shall extend from October 1 to April .30 (with the right to the GoTcniar-in-Ckrancil to restrict the same) was carried on the voices. The Bill was reported, but the amendments just made were not agreed to without further division, the numbers being : Ayes 43, noes 15. The third reading was agreed to without debate.