Trawlers in Whangarei Harbour

Northern Advocate, 21 February 1939, Page 4

Trawlers in Whangarei Harbour

I;p it be true, as stated at the last meeting of the Whangarei Harbour Board, that seine trawling is taking place within the Whangarei Harbour, it is high time that Hie Government took drastic steps to stop a practice which is definitely detrimental to national interest. The statements made at the board table are but the echo of other statements made from time to time. Trawlers have undoubtedly been seen within the limits off Whangarei harbour, and there can be no question about the serious damage they have done to feeding grounds in the vicinity of the harbour entrance. This practice must not be allowed to continue. It is essential that the fish supplies of the Dominion should be augmented, rather than wasted,, and everything that can be done to promote the wellbeing of the fishing grounds is to be commended. Apart altogether from the ransacking of the fish resources of the Whangarei Harbour, it is very disturbing to hear, as was stated at the board table, that trawlers have come to the Whangarei wharf, and unloaded for Auckland excess quantities of fish which the boats would not have been allowed to unload in Auckland. This is an allegation which cannot be allowed to go unchallenged, and we sincerely hope that the Government will give authority to its responsible officers to make the fullest investigation into these charges. It is a matter of national importance that this should be done.