ASHLEY FISHING TO LAST LONGER

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31005, 10 March 1966, Page 18

ASHLEY FISHING TO LAST LONGER

A motion to extend the fishing season in the Ashley river for one extra month next year was passed by one vote at a meeting of the council of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society last evening. Mr G. Ferris, chairman of the fish committee, moved that the council for the 1966-67 season only, extend the fishing season to the end of May in the Ashley river for experimental purposes. Mr R. F. Stead said this would not disrupt the shooters to any extent. Honorary rangers would have to keep a close watch on catches, he said. Mr G Mugford said he would be keen on the experiment if he could see where it would lead. If it was a success there would be pressure to extend the opening. “I’m a bit frightened of where it would lead to.” Mr J. P. Glasson said all that would be achieved would be the prevention of spawning. Mr N. I. Voyce said he did not think the rangers would be able to handle the extra

work. He was a keen fisherman but would oppose the move. The fishermen got a good season from October to the end of April, but the shooters had only five week-ends. Mr Stead said he thought the experiment would be a complete failure, but he would like to see it tried to prove this. Mr Ferris said it would be “absurd” to turn down the chance for research. It would be a worth-while experiment. On a show of hands the motion was carried by seven to six.