CHATHAM ISLAND NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16530, 14 September 1921, Page 2

CHATHAM ISLAND NEWS.

[From Our Correspondent.] September S. The body of Ngatiki Dix. ji Maori who was drowned on the AVhanga Lake, vas found a month after the accident occurred. A verdict of accidentally drowned mbs returned. There has been excellent fishing weather lately. A thousand cases of fish represented the catch cf eight days: iu fact the fish were being caught so rust that they could not be dealt with fust enough in the freezer. A great deft 1 of discussion has taken place on the question of swan eggs. A certain parly y wireless to the Depart merit of Internal Affair? urging the exemption of black swan from protection to permit of exportation of swan eggs to New Zealand. The 'Minister replied saying that he had no authority to do so, but that lie proposed- having the Act amended at the next, session of Parliament to allow it to be done. Following this a notice was put up to say that persons shooting swans or taking eggs, or having them in their possession, were liable to prosecution and tt severe hue. A petition to the D-epnrtracnt has been made out by the people, pointing out that u number of years ago, when Alegars Lauronson and Taylor visited the island, they, at the wish of the people, had the swan exempted from protection as far as local Consumption was concerned. This law has not bean changed since. The petition refers to the food asset of tho eggs, both for tho European and AJcon. and ••Rates that to have them exported would turn a public benefit into o speculation for one or Iwo people.