LAND AND WATER,

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 63

LAND AND WATER,

An Order-in-Council, dated November 29, under "The Sea Fisheries Act, 189*," states that from January 1, 1906, the following regulations shall supersede clauses 12, 13, 14-, and 15 of the regulations made on December 21, 1896:— (1) The mesh of every net or seine used for the purpose of taking fish in tidal shall measure, when prepared for use, not less than 2^in, unless such net is a bona fide flounder set net, mullet net, garfish net. or herring net, and used for taking flounders, mullet, garfish, or herrings only. (2) The> mesh of every set net used for taking flounders in all waters in the colony shall measure, when prepared for use, not less than 4in. (3) The mesh of eve>ry net used for taking mullet in tidal waters in the North Island of the. colony shall measiire, when prepared for use, not less than 3^in. (4-) The mesh of every ga-rfish net shall measure, when prepared for use, not less than iin. (5) The mesh of every herring net shall measure, when prepared for \ise, not less than i£in. (6) The size of mesh, in every case, shall be ascertained by measuring the length between knot and knot of opposite corners, with the mesh closed, the net being first wetted and stretched, and being tanned, barked, or otherwise prepared for use. In case of dispute or doubt; a -^lb weight slip 11 bo slung or attached to one knot of a meih, in order to produce a fair strain or extension, and the space between the top and bottom knot shall be measured forthwith while the mesh remains extended. If the net to be measured is dry, the part to be measured shall be soaked either in fresh or salt water for not less than 10 minutes, and the mesh so soaked shall then bo measured.

After the last meeting of 'he Acclimatisation Society Mr R. Chisholm telegraphed to Sir J. Gk Ward the resolution passed suggesting that half-yearly fishing licenses should be allowed to commence from December 20, instead of January T, as at present. A telegram was received from Sii Joseph on the 13th agreeing to the suggestion that half-yearly licenses should be granted as from December 20, and stating that he would have the regulations amended accordingly.

According. to the Dunstan Times a consignment of 10,000 trout fry has been despatched to the Clyde Anglers' Association. The fish are to be liberated in the Fraser, Manorburn, Spottis; and Waikeri Creeks.

A; party of Asiiburton sportsmen had' a "day out" after rabbits at, K-angilata recently, bagging 200 rabbits and 90 hares.

Mr/ T. Stirling, Leeston. while deep-sea fishing at" the Lake Ellesmere temporary outlet, landed a hapuka- weighing; 701b. It took two men quite half an hour to land the monster, as he had to be played considerably, owing to the line only being 100- yards long. The Ranfurly Cup, presented by the Wellington Rifle Battalion for field firing, was won by the Wellington College Rifles. Tne conditions were that each company hao. to fire in four sections, six men in each: five volleys prone *t both 600 and 500 yards, five volleys kneeling at 400 yds; and five volleys standing at- 300 yds. The College also won this cup in 1901 and 1902, and tied for it last year, being beaten in the shootoff. The cup now becomes their absolute property.

Of 14 pigeons liberated in Christchurch nine reached Auckland on Sunday. The first bird covered the entire distance in l2hr 4mm.

J. Darling, the well-known Australian cricketer, was in good form with the bat at Adelaide recently. Playing in electorate cricket, he took complete charge of the bowling, and played a vigorous innings.- for 157 not out. In the same innings B. T. R. Bailey made 126.

DUNEDIN HOMING PIGEON CLUB.

Th© club- flew off its race from Clarence J?iver, a distane© of about 312 miles air ,line. Unfortunately it had the misfortune to strike bad weather, which caused rather a serious disaster among the birds. Twentysix birds were entered); and only 10 bird's arrived home the same day, the- majority of the remainder being still missing. . The winning bird proved to be Mr S. Smith's Ormond (bred by "Messrs Finnegan" and Torrie), flying 321 miles 450 yards- in 9hr 12£min. a velocity of 994 yds 2ft per minute. Mr M. Holmes's bird. Silverstei* came- second, flying 312 miles 1355 yards in 9hr 13£min, a velocity of 994 yds lift per minute ; and Messrs Finnegan and Torrie's bird Fireworks came third, frying- 312 miles 450 yards in 9hr 14nrin, a velocity of 992y<13 per minute. The club will hold a race from [ Wellington in about two weeks' time, and | it is to be hoped it will be favoured with a fine day.