NEED FOR ACTION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3175, 28 September 1942, Page 5

NEED FOR ACTION

PROTEST FROM FISHERMEN CLOSED AREA NOW FISHED DEPUTATION TO MEET MINISTER z “ That this meeting of representatives of the fishing and business interests of Thames views with extreme alarm that, notwithstanding protests made against the

opening of closed areas for seine fishing, including encroaching of the ‘Dab’ patch, which is in direct contravention of the recommendations of the Fishing Investigation Committee, nothing has been done to check this. The meeting urgently requests Jhe Minister of Marine to take steps immediately to remedy the position,” was a resolution passed at a meeting held at Thames last week, those present being Mr S. Ensor, representing the Co-operative Fish- < eries, Mr N. Taylor (Taylor Bros.), Mr F.' Hayward (Shortland Fisheries Messrs B. D. Chapman and H. Gallop (Chamber of Commerce), and the Borough Commissioner, Mr A. LBurk, who presided, and the Town Clerk, Mr J. F. Eames. Letter To Member In a letter to Mr J. Thorn, M.P., chairman of the Fisheries’ Advisory Committee, read at the meeting, Mr Ensor expressed appreciation of Mr Thorn’s efforts, but at the same time expressed apprehension that the Minister would yield to pressure to open up areas that have been proved to be breeding grounds and nurseries for immature fish. He felt that the matter was so important to the future of the industry and the maintaining of supplies to the public at reasonable rates that everything possible should ,be done to have the Minister revert back to the old order and, in addition, to see that the areas are adequately patrolled and severe penalties imposed for breaches of the regulations.

If the Courts could not bring about the desired results, Mr Ehsor asked what would be wrong with taking action in respect to individual licences, and if needs be a whole crew could be refused renewal. This was one of the reasons why Thames fishermen advocated that fishermen should be licensed in addition to the boat.

Mr Ensor also pointed out that, fishermen had also been given the right to tow their gear over a considerable portion inside the, line as previously fixed. There was, he added, no country in the world that would allow to go on what is now taking place in the Hauraki Gulf and other New Zealand waters. How long, he asked, would our trout fisheries last if they were open all the year round? How many game birds would we have in the country if it were not for closed seasons and all manner of protection? In the face of all the evidence that the very salvation of our sea fisheries depends on adequate protection, we have these areas thrown open, Mr Ensor concluded. To Meet Minister It was stated that the Minister of Marine, the Hon. R. Semple, had not been able to arrange receive the deputation appointed at last meeting, and it was decided that Mr Burk and Mr Ehsor wait on the Minister at the earliest possible date.