TO BE REVIEWED

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 March 1932, Page 5

TO BE REVIEWED

WHITEBAIT REGULATIONS. In response to representations made by him, Mr. J. O’Brien, M.P., has received the following reply from the Minister of Marine (Mr. Cobbe): — “With reference to your letter of January 16, on. the subject of the prosecution of whitebait fishermen at Hokitika, I have made inquiries into this matter. It would appear that there has been considerable friction between the fishermen on certain streams in the district, due to the obstructive tactics of a few, and the Inspector of Fisheries has had a great deal of trouble in endeavouring to administer the regulations, through the same cause. From his renorts there annen.rw

to be no doubt whatever that breaches of the regulations have been committed on several occasiaons by the same men, but it has been difficult to secure convictions in many cases, with the result that proper control has been difficult. It is obvious that, in the interests of the fishery, the regulations require strengthening,' and steps will bo taken to review them and have fresh ones issued, if possible, before next season. lam quite agreable that the amending proposals should be submitted for the consideration of the fishermen, but regret that I can give no undertaking that the Department will not institute prosecutions for offences where it is considered action should be taken.”