ROTORUA TROUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22524, 15 September 1936, Page 10

ROTORUA TROUT

" FINEST IN WORLD " ALLEGED DETERIORATION MINISTER'S EMPHATIC DENIAL [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] ROTORUA, Monday An emphatic denial of statements concerning the deterioration of trout in the Rotorua district was made by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, dfiring his visit to Rotorua at the week-end. Ho said he had that day seen something which was an eye-opener to him and, he thought, would be an eye-opener to many other people. Ho had inspected one of the trout spawning streams in the district and had seen fish, not only in countless numbers, but in excellent condition. He had satisfied himself that statements regarding the alleged deterioration of trout in the district were " balderdash."

The Minister said he had seen fish which he believed must be the finest in the world. Statements about the allegedly poor condition of fish were often made with very little authority or knowledge and without taking into consideration the inevitable effect of the spawning period upon the fish. A research department had been established to study fresh and salt water fish, and this should do a great deal toward solving some of the problems. The two chief problems seemed to be, firstly, the most suitable date at which to open the fishing season, and, secondly, the question of maintaining and improving the food supply. He was carefully investigating both these matters and could give an assurance that he would take no action until he was satisfied that what he would do would be for the best. The Minister also referred to his desire to improve shooting conditions and spoke of the improvement which should result from the establishment of the Ngongotaha game farm. He said tho farm at present was only in its initial stages, but it was hoped -to make it a source of supply for a large number of birds. However, added Mr. Parry, he was satisfied that they must do more than merely rear birds for. liberation. They had proof that a large proportion of liberated birds died as soon as they were *freed. This was largely due to their inability to forage for themselves after living in enclosed conditions. They must endeavour to enlist the co-opera-tion of farmers by encouraging them to assist in acclimatising the birds and by planting small plots of corn for feed.