ILLEGAL FISHING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 15

ILLEGAL FISHING

AUCKLAND TRAWLERS WHANGAREI COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATION SUGGESTED [by TELEGRAPH —OWN' correspondent] WHANGAREI, Friday Allegations that Auckland fishing boats were still operating in closed waters were made at the meeting of the Whangarei Harbour Board to-day. A member, Mr. R. H. Allen, stated that a trawler had recently landed a load of fish at Whangarei and no wharfage charges had been collected.

Mr. Allan added that he understood the vessel had secured a large haul, the tonnage exceeding the limit it was permitted to land at Auckland. Trawlers were still persisting to operate inside the Whangarei Harbour. The secretary, Mr. W/ M. Fraser, stated that the wharfage rate was 2s 6d a ton.

"Nothing can be done to stop the trawlers from landing fish at Whangarei," said Mr. Fraser. "On one occasion I telephoned to the inspector of ,fisheries at Auckland before permitting an Auckland boat to land its catch, but I was told that there was nothing to prevent this." \ Mr. Allan said he would like to see the board do something to stop the seine-net fishermen from operating in the Whangarei Harbour. "The Marine Department has its own inspectors to control fishing," said the chairman, Mr. J. A. Finlayson. "But they are not doing their duty," said Mr. E. L. Whimp. ■ The board decided that trawlers and seine-net fishing boats the Whangarei wharfs should be cgarged harbour dues in accordance with the bylaws. It was also decided to ask the authorities that, as the board was aware trawlers were operating within the limits of the Whangarei Harbour, an inspection of the area be made.