SALMON AND TROUT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21213, 20 June 1932, Page 10

SALMON AND TROUT.

CONTROVERSIAL QUESTION.

AUCKLAND SOCIETY'S INQUIRY. DISCUSSION IN THE SOUTH. A letter from the Auckland Acclimatisation Society asking for information whether or not salmon are detrimental to trout led to an interesting discussion at a meeting of the Council of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society last week, in the course of which some opposing opinions were expressed. The Auckland Society's letter said that the society was contemplating the establishment of quinnat salmon in the Wanganui River and desired to know whether salmon were detrimental to trout. Mr. G. 1). Mcllraith suggested that the Auckland Society should be advised to write to the secretary of the Waitaki Socio!v, who had been very bitter in his remarks at a conference regarding Sainton in the Waitaki River. Mr. C. 11. Lawrence: It is a very moot point indeed. No one is going to state definitely that they are detrimental. Anglers have no doubt about it. but they have no definite evidence.

Mr. R. Ashworth said that Mr. C. I'. Champion could tell them that in the llurtmui River this year there were more trout than ever and that the salmon had not driven them out. Mr. Champion concurred with this statement. Mr. P. .)• Molloy said that it was avery controversial question. lits own opinion was that salmon did not do au\ harm. He himself had taken six trout and three salmon from the same pool in the Rakaia River this season. Mr. C. R. Russell said that, fishing in the Waimakariri, lie had taken salmon with one cast and three casts later he had taken trout, and other anglers also took trout from the same pool. Mr. F. Steans said that it was a difficult thing to decide. He had been of the opinion that the supply of trout food was depleted by salmon, but last season in the Rakaia there were just as many trout running as usual and he was satisfied that there were more salmon. r lhe question was too big to decide offhand, especially as the Auckland Society was rrointr to be influenced by the opinion expressed by the North Canterbury Society. He suggested that a small committee should be appointed to draft a reply. He thought that the Auckland Society was afraid of the salmon ami wanted an excuse for not establishing them. . After other members had expressed thenopinions, it was decided to appoint a committee consisting of Messrs. Ij. A. Sliand (president of the society), C. H. Lawrence and F. Steans to report to the next meeting of the council.