SCOPE FOR SPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22819, 28 August 1937, Page 14

SCOPE FOR SPORT

FINE FISHING WATEE OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION POSSIBILITIES OF THE LAKE A golden opportunity to develop one of tho finest trout-fishing reserves in tho Dominion now lies open to tho State if Maori and European fishermen can bo given equal rights to fish Lake lloto Aira, according to Auckland anglers. They said yesterday that with very little work tho lake, which tlioy described as providing infinitely better sport than Taupo, could bo mado an ideal fishing ground. Tho first stocking of Roto Aira was done in 1908 and fresh stock was added in 1918. Tho first trout taken was caught by tho ra.ngatira of tho tribe, whose fishing rights were guaranteed to them by • a previous Government, and it was a largo specimon. A man whose interest in the lake has extended over tho whole period since its original stocking said tho sport thcro was still excellent and all that had to bo done to guarantee tho perpetuation of a vigorous stock was control of tho shags, which were distributing worm to some of the trout, the liberation of fry that would spawn in April and May, and the blasting of a path down the falls separating tho lako from the Upper Waikato. This last course would ensure necessary freedom for the fish. At the present tiino, however, the fish wero still sufficiently clean and vigorous to make immediate restocking unessential. Native Administration

From the point of view of control, he suggested that a native acclimatisation socioty could be established to administer tho lake. Tho experience of those anglers who had visited tho lako showed that tho Maoris were very keen to have the lako fished, for there was more stock there than they needed, and the relations between the two races had always been most friendly. He was quite sure that tho Maoris did not want Roto Aira mado a strict preserve.

If such a society were established the fishing rights of tho Maoris living around tho lako shore could still bo guaranteed by allowing thpm free licences, while Europeans and visiting Maoris could pay tho ordinary fee. It would bo a very fine course to take, too, if no motor or power-boats wero allowed on tho lake, as Maori canoes and rowboats were always available and did not commercialise the sport. Developing the Lake

It was pointed out that no trouble would be experienced in making the lake easily accessible. There was a motor road to within a short distance of the shore. A good camping ground was already there and for about 600 yards there was a gently shelving beach which allowed anglers to wade out from the shore for as far as 100 yards. From experience, the best of the fish, which wero generally to be taken .in tho afternoon rather tharf in the morning, were vigorous fighting trout and anything up to 91b. was very common. The Maoris did not fish them in the ordinary sense of the word, but netted them at tho mouth of the lake. As tho Maoris, therefore, did not object to Europeans fishing the lake, and, indeed, welcomed them, and as the lake, would bo improved with fishing, there was every reason for the State to take a hand and throw tho second largest lake in the region open to anglers.