FISH & GAME.

Wairarapa Age, 28 July 1936, Page 3

FISH & GAME.

VIEWS OF LICENCE-HOLDERS. INCREASED FEES OPPOSED'. • A meeting of sixteen representatives i of the North and South Wairarapa i cor mittees of th Wellington Acclimatisation Society was held in Masterton i recently, Mr. A. McLeod (Featheri ston), chairman of the South Wairarapa Committee, presiding. ’ Outlining the business before the meeting, Mr. R. V. Mason, chairman of the North Wairarapa Committee, stated that the meeting had been called to consider two main questions: (.1) The I proposed increase in fishing licence fees, and (2) the increase in shooting licence fees. Mr. Mason said that these proposals were brought forward by the council with a view to increasing revenue so as to show no loss on next year’s working. After a general discussion of the ; fishing licence question, it was decided that as the council would save a considerable amount by the fact that the Masterton hatchery was not being stocked to its fullest capacity, those present could see no reason for an increase. With regard to shooting licences, the meeting considered that the rearing and liberation of pheasants was too costly and that a separate licence to cover pheasant shooting would bring in sufficient revenue to turn last year’s losses into a gain. It was decided that a deputation interview the Minister of T n tei 'nal Affairs, asking that there should be no increase in fishing licences, and that the Minister bring in regulations providing for a separate licence for shooting pheasants. The following were appointed to form a deputation to the Minister: Messrs J. Fearon (Carterton), J. W. Hyland (Featherston), W. Dale and R. V. Mason (Masterton). It was decided that the council be notified immediately of the action in regard to these matters.

In discussing the question of State control of the Lake, the general opinion of the meeting was that the Government should take control, but it was considered to be too large a question for those present to decide, and that all licence-holders should be given an opportunity, either by a general meeting or by a vote, as to whether they favoured State control or not.