LAND AND WATER.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4806, 8 November 1902, Page 6 (Supplement)

LAND AND WATER.

(By “Dalbiac.”)

The following fishing records are reported down the West Const:—Mr P. Trahey, of Brunnerton. for nine days' fishing, secured 21 trout of a total weight of 1451 b, Dr James Mcßreaty's present total is 11 fish of a total weight of 801 b for 11 hours’ angling. The Westland Acclimatisation Society has taken up the matter of the shooting of native game, which is ns rampant down the Coast as throughout the colony, and has decided to invoke the aid of the police. The number of fishing licenses taken out in the Christchurch end surrounding districts this year constitutes a record, reaching almost 40C. Pishing in the Canterbury rivers is. reported to be very poor, and no exceptionally large fish have been taken. A catch made by Mr C. Hassell, in the Opihi, viz., 28 fisli. of as many pounds, is considered a particularly successful day's fishing. Since tho now Act became law, says a southern paper, the authorities are taking active steps to. stop illegal fishing and the sale of trout, and several residents have received visits from tho police. Large quantities of trout are alleged to have been consigned recently by rail to Christchurch and other places.

A correspondent of tho "Taranaki News” writes:—lt.is a noticeable fact to anglers in the Inglewood district that fisli are not nearly eo numerous as they wore nine or ten years ago. Bush fires have in the past destroyed great numbers, but these are yearly- becoming scarcer, and we must look for other reasons. Wo have some of the finest streams in New Zealand, but the fish are not increasing as they ought. In my opinion what is wanted is more extensive restocking—with yearling fish if possible—and a vigorous crusade against illegal capture. At the present time our rivers are at the mercy of poachers, and the deadly spear and still more deadly dynamite bring more fish to the bag than the rod. Some immediate steos should be taken by the Tara, naki Acclimatisation Society to afford protection and sport to the legitimate angler, and probably the Nelson "block house" system of honorary rangers would be tbs best.

Five thousand rainbow trout have been liberated in the new ponds in the New Plymouth gardens They will afterwards be transferred to streams in the district. The Taranaki Society expects a consignment of 10,000 fry from the Masterton hatcheries.

The Stratford Society is paying a shilling a bead for hawks and shag*, and is also offering rewards for the conviction of illegal gamo shooters or poachers.

New Zealand has quite an attraction in a quiet way to sportsmen from outside the colony. Major-General Hogg has made a practice for years 'past of coming here for trout-fishing nearly every season. Another distinguished officer, LieutenantGeneral La Touche has now also put in an appearance, and intends to test the waters' of the Eotorua district first and afterwards those of Wellington province.