LAKE ARAPUNI FISHING.

Matamata Record, Volume XI, Issue 962, 11 October 1928, Page 6

LAKE ARAPUNI FISHING.

THE TROLLING QUESTION. Putaruru Motion. Following the reading of a letter from the Auckland Acclimatisation Society which stated the question of trolling on Lake Arapuni would be re-opened at a meeting to be held early in October, there was an animated discussion at the annual meeting of the Putaruru branch, when it was made clear there was a strong feeling that trolling from powerboats should be allowed. Mr. M. E. Fitzgerald stated that he first started to support his view on trolling as a free lance, and later he secured the support of the branch committee. It appeared to him after gauging the feeling of the Auckland members that a compromise would be necessary, and that was why he simply asked for trolling from a row boat. The trouble was that powerboats had made themselves a nuisance, breaking all the recognised 1 rules of fishing by running their [ boats close to fly fishermen. It was impossible to row and troll out of the 1 lower end of the lake owing to the distance, and he defied any expert, whether from the Old Country or not, to catch fish other than with the troll in this area. Auckland now knew the Putaruru view well, and he did not think they could do any more to further their cause by attending the meeting called to reconsider the question. Mr. S. C. Snell thought that the law did not prevent shooting from a power boat on running water so that he did not think it could be stopped at the top of the lake. ) Mr. Fitzgerald: It’s a question of where the river ends and the lake begins. Is there a limit to the fish you can take?

Mr. Snell: Yes; 15 for the day. Linking With Matamata.

Mr. Flyger urged that the branch work in the closest co-operation with Matamata. Both understood each other’s problems, and if joint meetings were held they could always put a strong united case. Mr. Fitzgerald stated he had this in mind when he stated that he thought it would be better not to attend the next meeting in Auckland. Matamata would fight the Putaruru case, while Waipa would ask for the whole loaf, and between the two he thought a reasonable compromise should be effected. He suggested the meeting should give a lead in regard to the use of power boats. Mr. Flyger thought supporting power boats would damage their case. Mr. S. C. Snell thought the power boats might be all right if handled properly. Mr. T. F. Snell pointed out that it power boats went too fast they caught nothing. Mr. W. G. Barnett had felt slighted after all he had done for the society to be barred from trolling, which if done in a sportsmanlike way interfered with nobody. Motion for Trolling. Mr. Fitzgerald then moved that the chairman reply to the letter from Auckland to the effect that, this, branch objects to the restriction against trolling on Lake Arapuni, particularly from row boats, and urges the society to have the regulation amended before Chirstmas. Mr. Proctor seconded the motion. Mr. Macown held that trolling from power boats was not detrimental to anyone, and if they went for the whole loaf they might at least get half. He did not think they should give way.

Mr. Flyger: I understand Te Awamutu are going for it lock, stock and barrell.

The motion was then unanimously agreed to.