Readers Write ...

Northern Advocate, 8 September 1947, Page 4

Readers Write ...

In conversation with amateur fishermen seldom does one hear in these days about “the one that got away.” These days of pisTICKLING catorial poverty THE TROUT challenge the boldest of "liars and tend to- make fishermen thankful fer the smallest of catches. These local comments together with general observations in newspapers, indicate that our fishing grounds have been seriously spoiled by the activities of trawlers it would appear. It is therefore disturbing to learn that the Whangarei Borough Council gave its support to an appeal for a trawling licence to operate out of Whangarei. Admittedly, information regarding an alternative (the use of long line and hand-net type of fishing by a group of Whangarei fishermen) was not available to the council. Yet, if the council exists to protect and foster the welfare of this community, and if the harmful effects of trawler fishing are known, then it is disappointing to find that an official approval has been given to an undertaking which ultimately will be detrimental to our welfare. The edible fish may be available to us now, but every citizen should be concerned to see that the resources of our waters should be used not only for our present needs but alscivfor those of the future generations. We should not be caught by this tickling action—that is, being content to be supplied now, but having no concern for future supplies.—“JONAH.”