Maoris Complain Of Mussel Poaching

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30957, 13 January 1966, Page 3

Maoris Complain Of Mussel Poaching

(New Zealand Press Association)

NEW PLYMOUTH, January 12. North Taranaki Maoris are complaining about the continual rifling of their traditional mussel beds on the reefs off the North Taranaki coast.

Official complaints may be made to the Maori Tribal Committee and it is likely that a call will be made for a season for mussel gathering, similar to the toheroa season in Northland. Complaints came to a head at the Urenui Beach Carnival on Sunday, when the organisers at first planned a musselgathering competition. The local Maoris claimed this would lead to waste and bring haphazard collecting, including the small, young shellfish, which the Maoris always leave. The carnival organiser, Mr L. W. Petty, said today that he heard the complaints and

the competition, which was only planned as a “gimmick," was dropped. Mr Petty agreed that the size of mussel beds between the Urenui and Wai-iti beaches was dwindling. Many people were gathering in the small mussels, which should be left to grow. On a recent very low tide at Urenui, persons from as far away as New Plymouth and Mokau were gathering the shellfish in sugar sacks “There was a huge crowd," said Mr Petty. He said the Marine Department should bring in an act to protect the shellfish in seasons.