FISHING ADMINISTRATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26933, 19 November 1948, Page 9

FISHING ADMINISTRATION

OFFICIAL MEETS ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

A round-table discussion on points of fishing administration was held last night, when the Otago Acclimatisation Society ftiet the senior inspector of fisheries (fresh water division), Mr D. J. Hobbs, of the Marine Department. Most of the discussion concerned the application of . the South Island Acclimatisation Society for an increase to fishing licence fees. Speaking of negotiations with the department, Mr Hobbs said the claim for higher fees was based on the society’s contention that, with increased costs, the affiliated societies had not enough funds with which to carry on. It was noted, however, that, taken on an aggregate, the societies had not been able to expend the funds made available to them in the last 10 years. Cash assets held by South Island societies in 1938 totalled £13,000, but this had risen to £29,000. Mr Hobbs added that it was, however, seen that some societies were spending their money, others were accumulating it. Under the Fisheries Act, societies had the right to collect fees for.certain purposes, and in considering licensing fees the department was competent to determine whether the money was being spent for the authorised purposes. “It is questionable,” Mr Hobbs declared, “whether the South Island Society is applying the funds for those purposes."