MEETING OF FISHERMEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 1959, 10 September 1891, Page 18

MEETING OF FISHERMEN.

A meeting of fishermen was held in Mr F. J, Sullivan's rooms, Stafford street, fn Saturday afternoon. Mr J. Davidson oooupied the chair and there were about 25 persons present. The Chairman stated that the meeting had been called for the purpose of receiving correspondence and considering other matters in connection with the flounder fishing. A petition which had been drawn up for presentation to the House of Representatives was read. It set forth that flounders were never more plentiful in the Otago Harbour district ; that there were only 40 or 50 places in the harbour where nets could be worked for flounder-fishing, and miles of the harbour where fish could remain unmolested ; and that the supply came from the Pacific Ocean into the harbour. No limit had been found necessary at Home, although 11,900 tons of fish meat were delivered in the Billingsgate market last April, ™5.,. a considera We portion were flounders. It the limit was raised from 9in to llin it would reduce the take by more than 50 per cent., and throw 70 men out of employment. Mr Sullivan stated that he had received replies (to a circular he had sent to members of the House) from Mr James Mills, M.H.R., Mr H.S. Fish, M.H.R., and Mr G. M. Thomson Mr Mills stated that the Minister was'considering whether or not he should amend the regulations. He was inclined to raise the minimum to lOin, but would do nothing till the session was over.

Mr Thomson remarked in his letter that the flounders were as plentiful in the market in bis opinion as they formerly had been. Professor Hutton was probably correct as regards the Christchurch market, which had always been poorly supplied with fish, the fishing grounds being limited. The petition was then disoossed and approved

of. It was decided that it should be circulated for signatures. It was resolved-" That Messrs J. Mills, Fish. miiSn'S^T' Earnshaw, and Sir John Hall, M.H.R.'s, be thanked for the interest they ?h I * n w t £ e -, m 2 tter »" aQd a hearty vote ot thanks to Mr F.J.Sullivap closed the meeting.

A efclfcK)n Is .£ e j?S S°* °P requesting Mr W. WaTkSear M ' H - R - ** BfUCe ' t0 Coßteafc the thit ii «° anma SnP'cmo Court aittinm brSffi?«S? Cases foe tfW-two of houT mSS if a / ceny> two of Bhee P Bt e»ling, and pno of larceny from the person. W. Bailey for Zeday^. wUI