LAKE TAUPO FISHING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3782, 7 September 1926, Page 22

LAKE TAUPO FISHING.

NATIVE EIGHTS ADJUSTED. PROVISIONS IN BILL. WELLINGTON, September 2. The agreement by which the bed of Lake Taupo, and that of the Waikato River from the lake to ti*e Huka Falls are to be vested in the Grown is given legislative effect by the clauses in the Native “ Washing-up ” Bill. The Bill also vests in the Grown the right to use the waters of the lake and river, save that the Natives are to have tlie right of access to any island. The Governor-General may, reserve any portion of the bed of the lake, or any Grown lands bordering on it, for the use of the Natives, and may vest them in the Tuwharetoa Trust Board constituted by the Bill. A strip of land, not exceeding one chain in width around the margin of the lake, is reserved for the public, hut the public use of it may be limited by proclamation. The bed of any river or stream flowing into the lake, or any portion of such bed may be proclaimed Grown land, and strips of land on either side of the bed so vested in the Crown may be reserved, and the right-of-way over them granted to holders of special licenses, subject to rather wide powers of control. The Grown is to have the sole right to let camping sites on the land so reserved. Landowners, or holders of existing fishing rights, are not allowed to interfere, but may claim compensation within one year, and their claims will be heard by a commission. Any awards made are to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund. Fences are not to be disturbed, provided that access is given by gates or stiles. The Crown is authorised to expend moneys upon the erection of camps for use of anglers. The Bill establishes a special district under the Fisheries Act comprising the waters referred to. and provides that no fishing licenses issued by any acclimatisation society, or in respect of the Rotorua Acclimatisation District are to have any effect in the new district. The Governor-General is. vested with the widest powers to make special regulations governing the issue of Taupo fishing licenses, and such regulations may override the provisions of the Fisheries Act and the general regulations thereunder. Differentiation may be made with regard to fees and otherwise between New Zealand and visiting anglers, or between residents and non-residents of the district. The licenses may be for the whole, or part only, of a season, and may apply to specified waters only. Fees for the use of camping sites mav similarly be fixed. Members of the Tuwharetoa tribe are to be entitled to fish for eels and other indigenous fish at any time, but not to sell the catches, and not more than 50 trout fishing licenses may he issued each vear to members of the tribe nominated by the trust board. The Tuwharetoa Trust Board, the composition of which is to be defined by Order-in-Council. is empowered to hold lands and trust funds, and deal with them for the benefit of the tribe. It is to receive this year £IOOO bv appropriation from the Government. and £3OOO a year thereafter, together with 50 per cent, of all fees in excess of £3OOO yearly received from fishing and boat licenses, and from the hire of camp sites, and also 50 per cent, of all fines and per»*» l tie*.