FISH TAKEN UNDERSIZE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18897, 20 December 1924, Page 13

FISH TAKEN UNDERSIZE.

THAMES COMPANIES CHARGED QUESTION OF POSSESSION. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] , THAMES. Friday In the Police Court to-day, before Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., charges were heard against two Thames fish companies of being in possession of fish under the standard size allowed by the regulations. Mr. Patterson appeared for tho superintendent of Mercantile Marine, and Mr. Clendoi; and Mr. Garland for tho companies. It was contended for the defence thai; the fishermen who brought the fish to the works were the responsible persons, and it was stated that after inspection by the companies' representatives the undersized fish v.-(-ro rejected and not paid for or used.

The magistrate said that under the peculiar arrangements existing at Thames it would be difficult for tho companies to inspect the ish until after they came to their premises. The regulations must be interpreted reasonably, and consideration given to th* local conditions. Tho companies should have the opportunity of examining the fish. In the case of the Shortland Company there was a strong inference that the fish wore in their possession and he imposed a conviction and a fine of £2 and £4 18s costs. S. Ensor was fined £2 and costs £3 13s. In the ca.so of the Thames Company the magistrate ruled that, the position was different. The undersized fish wero found on tho floor, but had not been accepted. The fishermen who caught the fish were the real delinquents, and they could only be caught by frequent inspection. He would dismiss the case.