WHITEBAITERS’ STAND

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 October 1930, Page 2

WHITEBAITERS’ STAND

DISPUTE OVER POSSESSION. Whitebaiterfl on the Greymouth waterfront have been experiencing a comparatively <iuiet season, but early this morning matters were considerably enlivened for six of them, not in the direction of a good run of whitebait, but a wordy warfare, brought about by the jumping of what one side considered to be, as a result of having held it for 11 years, a legitimate “claim.” On arrival to take up their position at 4.30 a.m., they found, much to their surprise, that three other whitebaiters occupied the stand, which is recognised as the one from which the best catches are secured. All attempts to regain possession by advancing the argument of priority as a result of many seasons’ holding, and threats _ of expulsion by calling in police aid, failed to move the trio, who had sat on the rocks since midnight, and before daybreak had netted a pint of the little bait. During the height of the argument one of the defending party, overcome with the weight of his own words, fell into the river, being completely immersed, before struggling out again. Finally the police were called in to adjudicate, but much to the chagrin of the party who declared for their old stand, the man in blue ruled that the “early bird” was entitled to any position he cared to select. As it is the expressed intention of the three men now in possession, to hold on to, as one of them defined it. “a good salary,” by working three shifts, so that the rock will never be left unoccupied; and it is the aim of the former holders to recover it. the situation has developed into an endurance test. The incident in this case, gives ample testimony to the old law. “possession is nine points of the law.” and the other point does not count.