WANTED MORE FISH.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVI, Issue 196, 19 August 1912, Page 7

WANTED MORE FISH.

PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE MURRAY COD.

The importance of introducing various kinds of fish, into New Zealand lakes, streams, and ponds, not suitable for stocking with trout, was urged by Mr H. Southey (Tauranga) at the Acclimatisation Conference last w/eek in a remit urging that a special committee be set up for the purpose of conferring with the Fisheries Department. As to the introduction of sporting fish other than salmonid'ae, the mover suggested as suitable fish American black bass, Ballarat perch, and Murray cod among others. It would not affect the' trout fishing at all. ';■

Mr Mclntosh said he had the authority of- Mr Ayson that if black bass were, introduced into New Zealand! rivers it would sound the death knell of New Zealand trout.

In regard to Ballarat perch and Murray cod, the mover said that they were a much sought after fish, fetching Is alb on the Melbourne market. Mr E. N. Liffiton said they had some years ago' tried to introduce Murray cod into the "Wanganui River, but the shipment was lost overboard in crossing the bar. One, however, survived, and in Virginia Lake grew to an enormous size. This showed that the fish would live in New Zealand water.

The remit was adopted with the amendment that the council should confer with the Fisheries Department.