CONSERVATION OF DUCKS AND FISH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19806, 23 May 1934, Page 4

CONSERVATION OF DUCKS AND FISH

To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald " Sir,—l am enclosing an article published in “The Fishing and Shooting Gazette” which upholds the point of view held by the South Canterbury Anglers’ Club, with regard to increasing the size of takeable fish. The article is headed “Conservation of Ducks and Fish.” The South Canterbury Anglers’ Club was formed with the idea of improving the fishing in South Canterbury, and we &ve firmly of the opinion that if something is not done quickly, trout fishing in South Canterbury will not be worth the cost of the license. We fully realise that different methods of fishing appeal to the numerous license holders of South Canterbury, but some little sacrifice must be made in order that our rivers may once again be stocked with decent sized fish. I trust the new Council of the Acclimatisation Society will take the hint and do something immediately along the lines stated below to preserve the great sport that South Canterbury is so fortunate to possess.—l am, etc., FRED. M! WARD. President of the South Canterbury Anglers’ Club. Timaru, May 18. Enclosure CONSERVATION OF DUCKS AND FISH Three years ago we reviewed the duck position pretty accurately, and foretold thr.t within three years drastic measures would be necessary if there was to be any shooting at all. We advocated then a five bird limit, and our proposal when discussed was scouted. Present events all over New Zealand show that the five bird limit was necessary then and is necessary still. That Lake Wairarapa should be closed, not by the sportsmen themselves, but by the owners of the foreshore. is more or less a reproach to the shooters that they were starting their conservation too late to save the ducks. Drastic measures are necessary. It seems that the Mallard question will become a still more burning one in the future than in the past, and undoubtedly the ever increasing scarcity of the grey duck will make for a stronger claim to the recognition of the possibilities of the Mallard. So far as Wellington is concerned, we have practically no quail, no pheasants, no ducks, few hares and odd rabbits unless journeys of 60 miles or more are made. Prospects are bad, and getting worse. South Canterbury anglers are perturbed because the Research Committee has suggested raising the limit size of fish. It is no use shilly shallying with facts. The Committee has deduced its conclusion from accurate data. Its suggestions are the rerdicts of a jury on the chance of survival of angling in those particular rivers when methods are the same We may not like to raise the size limit but it is quite certain if we do not, we get no fish at all. Half a loaf is better than no bread. We can now repeat our advice of three years ago in regard to ducks but apply it at present to our fish —in local rivers the day of the five or ten bag limit is here. It is no use fooling with the question. You may possibly increase your stock by pouring in fry, but you also can keep up your head of fish by killing less. Strike for the smaller limit and tin larger fish. (F. E. Thornton in “The ISfew Zealand Fishing and Shooting Gazette.”)