FISH, DUST, AND FLIES

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12602, 12 November 1926, Page 8

FISH, DUST, AND FLIES

THE ISLAND BAY NUISANCE SUGGESTION FOR ABATEMENT TOWN CLERK’S REPORT Various suggestions calculated to abate the fish nuisance at Island Bay, were containued in an interesting report, submitted to last night’s meeting of the Wellington City Council bv the town clerk (Mr E. P. Norman). The report stated that Reef islet was a reserve administered bv the City Council as a domain. An inspection at low tide on November 6th showed that the gap between the island and the mainland was only a few yards less than the gap visible on the occasion of the recent inspection. "AN EXPENSIVE PROJECT" The erection of a bridge connecting the island with the mainland capable of carrying motor trucks was an expensive project, and it was very important to ascertain whether it was an absolute necessity for the abatement of the fish nuisance. If not a necessity, then its erection should not be decided on until it could be justified by an adequate return. The proposed aquarium could only be built on the island if the bridge were constructed, but- its maintenance would absorb cho money collected from visitors. 'There sixty-five fishing boats licensed around Wellington by the Marine Department, and of this number twenty-two operated from Island Bay. The abatement of the nuisance caused by fishermen’s nets on the beach, and portions of decaying fish lying on the foreshore, or in the dinghies, would require the building of a small 50ft wharf, and an approach on the island with cleaning benches and desiccator. In addition, the council must have control of all the sheltered water in the vicinity, so that nothing could be done thereon which in any way created a nuisance. FLY-PROOF BOXES ADVOCATED To prevent fish from being brought ashore in an exposed condition, it would be necessary to bring in a bylaw enforcing the use of approved flyproof boxes or containers at all times. These boxes could be brought round daily to the city wharves, or, if the harbour was too rough, could be brought ashore by dinghies to a new set of small steps to be erected near the esplanade. Whether any works were put in hand or not. fish should not be exposed to dust and flies ; and containers were a necessity in any case. By providing also a small slipway the trade would be attracted and revenu* assured. However, under the Harbour Boards Act, 1923, no dues could be imposed on fishing vessels, so that the return should be obtained by leasing portion of the island to tho fishermen, allowing them the use of the slipway, etc., in accordance with the by-laws (to be framed). OUTLAY JUSTIFIED An annual rental of £3OO would ius* tify an outlay of at least £3300. The Wellington Harbour Board made no charge for fish taken over their wharves for local consumption. Before anything could be done it would be necessary to obtain an Empowering Act giving the council full control of all that area, whether covered by water or not, and lying within, sav, a radius of 2500 ft of the highest point of the island, with all the powers of a harbour board. In conclusion, the report recommended that the necessary powers be obtained and that plans and estimates be prepared at onoe for a slipway, wharf, cleaning benches, desiccator, hanging areas for nets, and 6teps on the beach; due regard being paid to the possibility of a bridge being constructed and a cool chamber being built later and nothing planned which would interfere therewith. The Mayor (Air C. J. B. Norwood) said that he was just submitting the information at his disposal to the council, and he hoped the finance and works committees would go into the matter and report thoroughly upon it.