THE FISHING INDUSTRY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1674, 26 June 1919, Page 6

THE FISHING INDUSTRY.

S TRAWLING IN HAURAKI GULF. REPORT OF COMMISSION. Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 25. Several matters of general interest are dealt with in the report of the commission set up to consider questions relative to the fish trawling industry in the Hauraki Gulf. The commission comprised Messrs Gotten, S.M. (chairman), Bradncy and Thomas Long. After hearing all the evidence, the commission recommended a slight alteration in tho trawling limits, the new line to ho from Mahurangi Heads to Shearer Rocks, off the north-east point of Tiri-Tiri, and thence to Cabbage Bay. No alteration is recommended in the regulations dealing with tho size of the mesh in the trawl nets.

"To increase the mesh," state the commissioners, "would certainly not altogether stop the taking of some undersized fish, and would probably result in the loss of a considerable number of fish of marketable size." Members of the commission were struck by the diversity of opinion expressed and the absence of reliable in-formation-with respect to the habit of sehnapper and other fish common to -these northern waters. They beg to recommend for the consideration of the Government the provision of a fish hatchery in the Auckland district on lines similar to those already in existence at Portobello, near Dunedin. At, the present time, part of tho fishing interests of the Dominion come under the control of tho Minister in charge of the Tourist Department, and part under the control of the Minister of Marine. A desiro was expressed by some of the witnesses before the commission that

all these interests should bo brought under ono Minister, having regard to tho importance which the tithing industry should attain in New Zealand and to the wonderful resources of tho Dominion in the matter. This docs appear to the commission to be advisable if there are no serious departmental difficulties in the way.