Trawler Pays Mo

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1939, Page 5

Trawler Pays Mo

A trawler recently landed a full lead of fish at the town wharf, but had paid no wharfage charges, said Mr R. H. Allan on Friday. He was speaking at a meeting of the Whangarei Harbour Board. He understood that the vessel had secured a large haul off the Northland coast, the tonnage exceeding the limit permitted to be landed at Auckland, said Mr Allan, and had paid nothing to the harbour board for the use of the wharf.

Trawlers also still persisted in fishing inside the Whangarei Harbour, Mr Allan added.

The secretary-engineer, Mr W. M. Fraser, stated that the wharfage rate ’or general cargo was 2/6 per ton.

Should “Hit Them Hard.”

“That is not enough for these fellows,” declared Mr Allan. “We should hit them as hard as we can.”

"We should prevent trawlers from breaking the law and from using us.” remarked Mr K. M. Stevens.

Nothing could be done to stop rawlers from landing lish at Whanga:ei. said Mr Fraser. On one oc r ;siorj he bad telephoned the inspectrr of fisheries at Auckland before permitting an Auckland boat to land its catch, but had been told there was

nothing to prevent it. Forced into Whangaref by rough weather, the vessel under discussion had disposed of its cargo to local retailors at a time when fish had been very scarce locally. “Wo should encourage them to bring fish to Whangarei and collect the revenue." was Mr P. Gardner's opinion, ?; Fishing in Harbour. Mr Allan said he would like to see the board do something to stop seme net fishermen from operating in Whnngarei harbour , The Marine Department has its own inspectors to control fishing," said the chairman

“But they are not doing their duty.” replied Mr E. L. Whimp. It was decided that trawlers and seine net fishing boats using the Whangarei wharves should be charged harbour clues in accordance with the by-laws.

On the motion of Mr Allan it was also decided to ask the authorities, as the board was aware that trawlers were operating within the limits of the Whangarei harbour, for an inspection of the area to bo made.