DEBRIS

Northland Age, Volume XVI, Issue 18, 29 November 1946, Page 4

DEBRIS

[ By Beachcomber ]

Hullo, Random. That was a nasty crack you had at me recently when you compared adversely my new column with your old-established “Down the Street.” My answer is based on the sayings of the sages : “The old order changeth, yielding place to new.” (Refer Walter Scott’s “Lady of the Lake”). tr I regret to report that one of our bretlnen of the coast has got himself into the cactus. In other words, he has been clanged for netting undersized flounder with an under-sized-mesh net—a 3.1” instead of the regulation 4” mesh. The regulations governing the size of the mesh for flatties is new to me —but still I am only a layman on the absorbing subject of fish, fishing and fishery inspectors. One can’t be too careful these days— I, personally, intend to change the hooks on my schnapper line to a couple of sizes laiger lest I be apprehended by the Society for Prevention of Cruelty t 0 Dumb Fish —-on a charge of choking instead of hooking. ■a With further reference-to the above par, and joking aside—don't you fishermen think it would be a good idea if regulations controlling fishing were published ? * Winter is over at last —or is it? A perfect weekend with old Sol at his best, gives that impression. Red faces and tender backs are now the latest mode. I thought I was taken back to the days of the Britons yesterday morn when I was confronted by two sun-worshippers who had alleviated their pain with applications of a chemical not unlike the old-time woad. * Before I meander any more, I have an apology to make. In fact I thoroughly abase myself and grovel in the dust. I mis-reported. I stated

recently that a fisherman at Taipa had caught 8 schnappers before breakfast one day last month. It wasn’t B—it was 6 ; it wasn’t last month—it was last Easter ; it wasn’t before breakfast—it was after tea. Oh, well 1 * Mr. Taylor’s newly-acquired launch based at Taipa, is beginning to look

pretty good since its overhaul was begun. Mr. Dick Brain’s fishing boac has also received a new coat of paint. I understand he, his crew and three new mullet nets are making the trip to Whangaroa for a short stay. ir Net fishermen have reported good hauls on the east coast beaches seaweed.