WHITEBAIT REGULATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1929, Page 5

WHITEBAIT REGULATIONS

MEETING AT WESTPORT. , WESTPORT, Sept. 3. There was a well attended meeting of citizens at the Town Hall on Monday night, when Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., explained the proposed Government regulations regarding whitebaiting. The Deputy-Mayor presided'. There were exhibits in the hall to give .those present' an intelligent idea of the exact meaning of certain pro-' posals.. . • ■ \ -

Mr J. Robertson (Deputy-Mayor) gave a resume of what took place at Hokitika when, the regulations were discussed there. Mr Broadfoot stated that whitebait catching was one of the biggest assets of Westport. The Chairman said he thought tlie object of the Regulations was to get revenue. . • . Mr ■ Betts thought' it would cost more than it was worth to collect the revenue. Mr J. Erskine spoke of the activities of white baiters in Westport during the last few years. He did not object to a restricted season, Mr Thompson said he 7 reckoned that the restricted net was a' mistake.. He thought that a- 14ft bow would be a /air thing. Mr G. Thompson said that the season for wlutebaiting be from Ist September to Ist December.

Mr G. Forman moved as an amendment that the season he' from Ist August to Ist December. Mrs S ephens said that some of the biggest runs are in December. The Deputy-Mayor said that the longer season they could secure, the better. Mrs Stephens” amendment was declared carried, and it was agreed to forward same to the Minister. . It was resolved on the motion of Mr Treclemic that the meeting oppose any license ! fee. for catching whitebait in the Buller. • Regarding the proposals re whitebait for private - consumption, Mr ! Fairhall moved that the proposal be hoo entertained. The Chairman thought the prescribed net was most ridiculous. There should (be no difference in the size of the net. Mr Bentley seconded the motion, which was put and carried unani-

mously. It was agreed to advocate that a vine up to 14ft be allowed. Objection was taken to the making of returns to the Marine Department of quantity' caught, and it was resolved to oppose same. t Mr Holland suggested that the Deputy -Mayor and Town Clerk and himself preoare a concrete statement embodying the passed by the meeting' so, thati /he could place them before the Government. It was resolved that the provisions re possession of whitebait for sale be ob-

jected tO. < V - . Mr Holland commented on the tact that there were 150 people at the meeting, and he promised to do his utmost to see that the resolutions were given effect to.. /Hip meeting terminated with a vote of t thanks to the chair, a similar compliment being paid to Mr Holland. • v •