WHITEBAIT FISHING

Evening Star, Issue 19663, 16 September 1927, Page 3

WHITEBAIT FISHING

CORNERING ALLEGED INQUIRY INTO SOUTHERN METHODS [From Gnu Baumam i; start Kepoete*.'] AVULLINGTON, September 15. WJiitebnit iisliing methods have been under review by tbo Native A flairs Committee of tbo House of Representatives as tbo result of a petition Jroin seventy-three persons in the Kniapoi district praying that the nse or set nets for catching whitebait in Ashley River be made illegal. 'l'ho cominitlco reported to-day recommending that the Government hold an inquiry into this matter. The Hon. I) Rnddo explained that there was a considerable amount of difficulty over tbo use of set nets at the mouth of the Ashley River. The fishermen were ufc n loss to know tlio exiict position, in view of the fisheries inspeclor’s decision. If anything could be done to meet the wishes of the fishermen without jeopardising the interests of the fishing he would be glad if the Minister would have an investigation. Mr Howard explained thus set nets has been so placed that the whitebait had no chance to pass in running up .stream, and thus the Maoris were deprived of food. It was alleged that people having property on the foreshore had created this position, and it would be advisable for the Minister of Marine to look into the point whether the regulations were being evaded. Mr Horn suggested that the difficulty was experienced in many other southern rivers. Whitebait ran close, to the banks, and there was a practice of building trenches, which the whitebait used, arid these could be covered by set nets. The man nearest the month of a river got nearly all the whitebait.

Mr Uni, Southern -Maori member, congratulated the committee on its report. it was, he said, an urgent question to the Maoris of Kaiapoi, who wanted whitebait for I'uod. Some were also fishing for sale, “and wc all look for money nowadays.” An export with a set net could absolutely dominate tho position. A reserve was sot apart lor Natives fo catch whitebait, but it was useless, because tho people ahead of them caught everything in set nets. Tlie inquiry should be held at once, because the whitebait season was in progress. Mr Forbes suggested that it was the responsibility of tho Marino Department to see that whitpbaiting was conducted on fair lines. It looked as if whitebait supplies were decreasing, which accentuated the trouble over the set nets.

Mr A. Hamilton supported tho views of the Southern Maori member. Au inquiry was necessary, bceau.se an injustice had been done to the Maoris through some Europeans purchasing land in a strategic place, which enabled them to practically “scoop the pool.” It was reported that those people bad made as much as £I,UU() annually from ibis .system of commercial cornering.

Mr Anderson (Minister of Marino) replied that a rather extensive controversy was going on over whitebait, and before nest season ho would have the matter properly investigated, while tbo Ashley River trouble would be looked into at once. Whitebait tinning was once a very nourishing industry, but tho trout seemed to take heavy toll of them now. Salmon wore probably helping lo keep down supplies. Tho Government could not allow individuals to buy np the. banks ul a river and corner the whole whitebait supply. Iho committee's report was adopted.