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Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1927, Page 2

hr was very pleasing to note that the whitebait season was si satisfactory this year, practically all round tlio Dominion. The efloct should sot- at rest any immediate disquieting rumours as to the fish vanishing at any early date. There is a certain amount of research going oil in respect to whitebait, but wo do not know that, it is sufficiently maintained to assure reliable data being obtained within a reasonable period. It is manilost from casual observation that the industry is a very valuable one in respect to the financial return yielded, and that living so some method of control with a view to conservation should ho taken up. There seems no immediate reason for a close season, but in respccF to control, certain rivers might tie closed over periods, and in others fishing limited to particular terms. In that way the run of fish year bv year would have a more assured chance of maintaining the general supply. The annual catch now is more extensive than ever it was, certain rivers in the south which wore a kind of sanctuary b.v reason of their remoteness, are now being fished, so that escape for any great volume of fish which in times would become parent fish, is being lessened year by year. The obvious effect of this raiding is such that the authorities might well take the matter iq) with a view to more efficient regulation. The menace of tlio sawdust seems to be a disturbing factor still, but in a river such as the local one with so many mills along the river bank and so much sawdust already in many creek-beds and being brought down by successive floods, the menace is more or less definite. Here again control should l>o arranged, hut the relative value of the two industries side by side is naturally a factor for consideration. Of course this is not the only river where sawdust- is deposited. hut the Hokitika river has been always so good a whitebait stream that the menace is more noticeable. Besides, here is one of the few rivers where set-nets are permitted. "With drag nets the sawdust is loss of a menace, and it can he avoided, but nevertheless the matter is important, enough to be taken up seriously, and mill-owners should be ready to assist and co-operate in minimising any evil effects arising from the presence of sawdust in streams during the whitebait season. The subject generally has now become one of special importance. and with past experience as a guide, the time is now ripe for a further study of the matter with a view to improving conditions generally with regard to the whitebait industry for the coming seasons.

Men! Purchase a suit you will be proud to wear at IV. H. Stopforth’s.— Advt.

A reply by the Minister of Agriculture to a question from Mr Glenn (Rangitikei) indicates that the Government will proceed cautiously in its programme of importing stud stock from Kngland owing to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, which the Minister stated was serious. It was not likely that importations would proceed under these circumstances.

Mr Fred Smith’s Marimba Band of Christchurch is now fully organised for its Coast tour at the new year. The trip will include visits to South Westland, Tho combination is a strong one, and is busy rehearsing all the latest dance music, and in all evening programmes will introduce many novelties, and make the gatherings merry and bright.

Suits to wear for men who tare. Wo don’t follow the fashion, we lead them. Try us for your Xmas suit. W. H. Stopforth.—Advt.

On Saturday the box plan for Miss James’ concert at the Princess Theatre on the Bth prox. will he opened. 'I he plan will be at Miss Mclntosh’s where seats may be reserved on payment of Gd extra. The entertainment promises to be one of exceptional merit as will Ik? seen from the programme to he circulated next week, and a large, in fact overflowing, attendance may be expected.

The jury which was empanelled during the Burwood murder charge had a wireless set installed for its entertainment at its hotel. This is probably the first time in Now Zealand, and certainly the first time in Christchurch in which such a procedure has been adopted. Another diversion which was provided for the jury was a ride through the suburbs in an observation bus on Tuesday evening.

A pair of heavy hoots, protruding from under the bed disturbed the peace of mind of a lady about to retire to bed in a Kaikoura hotel on Monday evening. She lost no time in giving the alarm and on the arrest of the prowler being made by the constable, it was discovered that the man was an inmate of the Sunnyside Mental Hospital who had escaped on Sunday. He was returned to the institution on Tuesday.

A hoy named Charles Sweetman, residing with his parents in Mackav Street, Grevmouth, went out with a whitebait net about 1 p.m. yesterday, and up to a late hour last night had failed to put in an appearance, despite the fact that he was expected to return home at tea time. A search was instituted hv the police along the river hanks and throughout the town, hut without success. It is feared that the lad mav have fallen into the river.

The annual West Coast Fire Brigades demonstration takes place on Saturday at Denniston. The team to represent the Hokitika Fire Brigade, consisting of Foreman ,1. Williams, C. Preston, 11. Davidson, 11. Steele and A. Thompson, with .1. Mclntosh emergency, left by ear this morning to take part. Korcimin Williams will represent the Brigade as delegate at the annual meeting of the "West Coast Association on Friday evening. Teams from Greymouth, lvurnara, Cobden, Otira, Reefton and Westport will compete in the demonstration.

A 'Wellington correspondent states opinions still differ as to the late ol the Licensing Bill if it reaches the Legislative Council. Prohibitionists are confident that the amended measure will he passed by the Upper House, and that the next liquor poll will he one ol two issues, with a hare majority. On the other hand their opponents maintain that the Legislative Council will further amend the Bill, and that a deadlock will he reached between the two Houses, which will result in the Bill being killed. With both sides thus making a tally of the heads in their favour, there can he no certainty as to the outcome.

Mr James 1 laldnnc, a co-operative miner, residing at Runanga, met liis deatli under tragic circumstances while returning home yesterday Irom the mine at Ten .Mile. It appears that deceased, with some companions, was walking along a bush trade in order to avoid crossing a swollen creek, when the unfortunate man lost his footing and fell over into a small depression, and sustained injuries which had apparently resulted in instantaneous death. The body was conveyed to the Dunollie Hotel. Deceased was a native of Scotland and came to New Zealand ](i years ago. lie was a widower, and leaves a family of three children, whose ages range from six to lti years.

Among amendments of the Stamp Duties Act introduced by ClovcrnorGcneraTs message in the House is a provision that orders on dairy factories in respect ot milk cheques will he stamped with a twopenny adhesive stamp instead of paying ad valorem duty with a maximum of 12s fid. Another provision is that in respect of property transfers the consideration will not he deemed to be inadequate if it represents fair market value. There is provision for an exemption from stamp duty for receipts given by discharged prisoners in respect of moneys held on their behalf by the prison authorities. The Bill further provides that receipts by racing clubs in respect of admission to racecourses will be exempted from the totalisator duty. Amusement tax has been paid on these receipts, which lias meant that a double taxation has operated. There is an additional clause providing for the tightening up of the provision for the recovery of totalisator and dividend taxation from racing clubs.

You will be delighted with the new rubber aprons for ladies and children in the new shapes and colours. Also sponge bags. These make ideal Christmas gifts. You are advised to buy or reserve early.—Addisons. — Advt.

Men! Don’t miss the bus—Get measured for your holiday suit right now. The ’Xmas rush is now on. The tailors soon will be saying: We cannot take any more orders for delivery before ’Xmas. —Get measured at McKay’s, immediately. You can take delivery at any time it suits you. McKay’s, Weld Street, HokitiKa. —Advt.