PROTECTION OF TROUT.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Issue 116, 20 February 1895, Page 2

PROTECTION OF TROUT.

A meeting to consider the best means for preserving and protecting the trout in the various rivers in the district, was held in the Palace Hotel on Friday evening, theSthinst. J. H. Taylor, Esq., J.P., was voted to the ohair, and there were present—W. Shrimpton, Esq., J.P., Hawke's Bay, C. Malfroy, Esq., J.P., Messrs Dansey, Mcßae, Stewart, Auckland; Warbrick, Webb, Carnachan, W. Kelly, M.H.R., Thorn, D. Fallon, Auckland ; Elliot, Tauranga; Samson, Marehesseau, M. Fallon, Auckland; L. Robinson and others.

The Chairman said that it -was absolutely necessary for measures to be taken at once for the preservation and protection of the trout in their rivers and to arrange for a constant supply of them from the hatching ponds. He had heard that tho natives had been spearing and netting them and he had been told that even white people had threatened to dynamite them. They would agree with him that urgent measures must be taken to provent this sort of thing. It had been mooted h.nd i+ was for the meeting to consider whether Rotorua should not secede from tho Tauranga Acclimatization Society, join that of Auckland or form one for themselves. He aclieved in keeping on with the old love unless it could he shewn that it would be for the general good of the community. In Rotorua they had a large number of ardent sportsmen, and all who loved sport should combine together to prevent poaching. He invited remarks. Mr Marchesseau questioned whether the natives could be prevented from poaching. The Chairman stated that when ho brought the first -100 trout from Tauranga the natives promised not to molest them for so many years and he believed they had kept their word. He thought tho poaching could be stopped as the natives should be taught to look forward to the time when the fish would provide sport and food for themselves. Mr Mcßae said that Rotorua derived no advantage whatever by heing connected with the Tauranga Society and if they seceded and joined the Auckland one they would bo far better off and the district would be attended to. A good supply of young fish would be got, and if they appointed native rangers thoy would prevent poaching. The native had as much right to fish, in the rivers with the rod a3 they had. He did not see that a local Society could be successful. Mr Malfroy asked how they could get out of the Tauranga Society. Mr Webb said the Government could sanction it by on Order-in-Council. Mr Malfroy thought that such an application should he made and he asked Mr Kelly's assistance in the matter. Mr Kelly asked what revenue the Tauranga Society derived from Rotorua. Mr Webb said about £l2 for shooting licenses. They had no power at present to issue finhing licenses. Mr Kelly did not see what benefit was to be derived by joining with Auckland. Fish had been got from the Tauranga Society and had been put into the streams hetween Tauranga and this. If they were to separate from Tauranga he thought a separate Society should be formedMr Mcßae thought they should secede from Tauranga as the Auckland Society had breeding ponds quite convenient to the railway station and the trout could be brought here in a few houia. The Chairman said it was a very difficult thing to bring fish from Tauranga. When he brought the 400 he had to wait three hours at one stream on account of the temperature. It took him 14J hours to travol from the first stream past Oropi to the Ngongotaha. We have no wish to secede from Tauranga but it would bo a great advantage to be amalgamated with Auckland. The fish ponds are close to the railway and we could get regular supplies. Tho Auckland Society is a very strong one, and they could assist us very materially.

Mr Stewart said he thought Tauranga had made a mistake in seceding from the Auckland Society and he advised Botorua to join it. They were alwayß ready to do as much as possible for the outside districts. They had sent out rainbow trout in large numbers which are good breeders and give splendid sport. Mr Fallon thought they should take no rash step in the meantime and he advised them to ascertain their position before doing anything. Mr Kelly said the matter having been voutilated would come before the People of Taurahga and Botorua, and hn thought the public should have a void? in the matter. Mr Taylor said the public of Botorua were well as 32 persons had been asked to attend the meeting. Mr Kelly said this was a hole and corner meeting, and he proposed that a public meeting be held on Monday, 25th hist. Agreed to. Messrs Taylor, Malfroy, Mcßae and Webb were appointed a committee to get full information to place before the public. A collection of seventeen shillings was made to defray expenses. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting.