WHITEBAIT INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1927, Page 1

WHITEBAIT INDUSTRY

GENERAL AIEETING

A general meeting of those interested iu the whitebait industry convened by the AYestland Acclimatisation Society, was held at the County Chambers lastevening. Over 30 persons were present, and Air G. A. Perry (President of the Society) presided.

The Chairman referred to the letter received from the Marine Department, (already published). The meeting had been called for the purpose of supplying the information asked for by the Department. It was suggested the meeting he adjourned to afford more notice to those interested. The adjournment was found not possible.

A motion was then moved that the regulations affecting the catching of whitebait he allowed to stand. After a. general discussion the motion was withdrawn.

There appeared to lie an impression among some of the fishermen that the Society wished to do something inimical to the whitebait, fishermen, but the Chairman explained that was not so. It was the desire of the Society to work with the fishermen to bring about Iho best fishing results possible, because it was realised the industry was rf general financial benefit to the country. Other speakers spoke in the same direction, and said the Society moved in the matter only because of the enquiry from the Department which sought general information from all the Societies in the Dominion as to the best means of maintaining the yearly supply of whitebait. This view was realised and appreciated l>v some of the fislieimen present, and eventually there was the suggestion to proceed with the business of the evening. After further round table discussion, Air Perry moved that the coming season ho used for the fullest research on the Points raised by the letter from the Marine Department, and that a Committee of those intimately engaged in the whitebait industry be set up to confer with the Acclimatisation Society and collect all possible information *aml advise the Society on the various points raised. Air Newman (Kaniori) seconded the motion, lit the course of discussion, the difficulty of fixing a definite season was pointed out. The “run'’ of the fish depended on the weather, which affected the state of the rivers. The weather was variable some times delaying, and at other times extending the season. The supply of fish in those circumstances naturally showed some variation due in the main to the seasonable conditions. The motion was carried and the following committee was appointed:—Alcssrs Foote, Howe, E. Appleton, Cuthush, Parker, Newman, Sp or, Kelly. It was decided the Committee should report hy July 7th. the date of Hie next meeting of the Acclimatisation Society, "lieu it will he necessary to reply to the letter from the ATarine Department.

A vote of thanks was accorded the Acclimatisation. Society for calling the meeting and for evincing an interest in the matter. It was explained that Air Hefford, the Fisheries Expert of the Alarine Department, had visited Hokitika some time ago, and met the whitebait fishermen, wrtli a view to commencing a study of the fish. The enquiry from the Department probably rose from that occasion, the expert desiring to have the views of all the Societies in New Zealand on the matter, with a- view to preparing a, general report. This concluded the meeting.

A meeting was held immediately after of the whitebait, fishermen with a view to forming a district association with the object of watching their interests in regard to the industry and any special regulations likely to he issued affecting the taking of whitebait.