TAUPO FISHING RIGHTS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 221, 4 September 1926, Page 7

TAUPO FISHING RIGHTS.

AGREEMENT WITH NATIVES. Wellington, Sept. 3. Provisions are included in the Native Washing-Up Bill which will give effect to the agreement reached between the Crown and the Taupo natives in regard to fishing rights in Taupo waters. The bed of Lake Taupo and the bed of the Waikato River from the lake to the Huka Falls are completely vested in the Crown, certain islands in the lake being reserved to the natives as well as the right to fish for home consumption. On a right-of-way a chain in width round the shores of the lake, which is to be reserved for the public the Crown may let camping sites, and authority is given Parliament to apply money for the provision of the neees sary accommodation. From time to time the Governor-Genera) may reserve to holders of special licenses a right-of-way over a strip of lands a chain in width along the banks of the rivers thus vested in the Crown. To members -of the Tuwharetoa tribe will be issued gratituously licenses to fish for imported fish on the understanding that no more than fifty licenses are given out per annum. The Bill establishes the Tuwharetoa Trust Board, to whom the Government will pay the annual sum of S3OUO and 50 per cent, of all the fees over thta amount received for fishing, boating, and camping licenses, together with one-half of the fines for breaches. The board will administer the funds tor the general benefit of the tribe and their descendants.