Minister Lucky With Line And Gun

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1939, Page 8

Minister Lucky With Line And Gun

[Special to “Northern Advocate ” 3

Fisliing for snapper, and cruising leisurely about the Bay of Islands, the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Public Works, and the ministerial party spent a restful Sunday.

The Minister/ who is an excellent gun shot, also rid the North of several shags. A typical incident occurred at Manswaom Bay. Sitting in the swivel chair on the launch Ailoma, owned by Mr H. T. Atkinson, who was host for the expedition, Mr Semple spotted a shag. Bang went his gun, down dropped the bird, and almost at the same instant Mr Semple began hauling on his line for another snapper. In all he caught 14 fish—one more than Mi’s Semple. Champion linesman of the day was Mr J. Wood, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, whose tally was 19. Mr Atkinson hooked the largest of two ground sharks. A landing was made tq boil snapper and potatoes in salt water. This typically Northland method of preparing sea food was its own seasoning for the Wellingtoniaps, who enjoyed the picnic 'atmosphere of the outing, together with its charming scenery, to the utmost. Also in the party were Messrs J. Rayner and S. B. ‘ Clifford, clerk and engineer respectively to the Bay of Islands County Council, Mr H. L. Moyle, secretary of the Bay of Islands L.R.C., and Mr E. H. McKay, president of the Opua branch of the Labour Party.

Interest Li Big Fish.

The Government launch Alice, with Mr J. R. Saunders, assistant inspector cf fisheries, accommodated the surplus. Although Mr Semple did not choose to go after the big game fish, he took the keenest interest in the arrival of three striped marlin at the Russell wharf.

Particularly good luck was enjoyed by Mr MacPherson, of Scotland, who has rented a house at Russell for the duration of the fishing season. Off Cavalli Islands, he caught two striped marlin, one turning the scales at 2951b5, Mr Semple was at the wharf to seethe successful boats 'arrive and the fish weighed. He also chatted for a while to the Reid brothers, owners of the AucklamT yacht Wayfarer, which is having a final overhaul at Russell before leaving on a cruise to Norfolk Island.