WESTLAND WHITEBAIT ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1927, Page 4

WESTLAND WHITEBAIT ASSOCIATION

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Westland Whitebait Fishermen’s Association was held on Tuesday evening. In the absence of Air H. T. Parry, Air H. Stapelton occupied the chair. The minutes of the prevons meeting were read and confirmed and outward correspondence approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Department of Internal Affars. re the appointment of Air J. Foote as Ranger.—Received. From Hon. Coates, Minister of Railways, re railway charges on carriage of whitebait between Hokitika and Christchurch.—Received. Air G. Howe moved that a letter ho sent to the Hon. Alinistcr of Marine protesting against the actions ot certain Acclimatisation Societies throughout New Zealand in their efforts to bring about close seasons for taking of whitebait in order to conserve food for trout and praying that the Government allow no interference with the canning industry as it would deprive some 300 persons and their dependents of a livelihood in the district of Westland. Seconded by Mr Foote and carried. The present scarcity of wliitebait was diseased but it was stated by the most experienced fishermen that there was no prospects of any run of whitebait in the Coast rivers until such times as there was a flood to clean the rivers out. It was reported that ! the rivers are in the lowest state on record and much vegetation was coming down some of the best whitebait streams in South Westland which are completely blocked up at the mouths.