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Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1929, Page 4

The discussion at the Acclimatisation Society’s meeting on Thursday night indicated that there is a good deal of concern current as to the nature of the proposed regulations to govern the talcing of whiteoait. In o’.her parts of me Coast and in the North Island, strong objection is being raised to tile nature of the restrictions which have been drafted. The regulations at present are in the making, that is a set nave been drafted, apparently by the Chief Inspector of Fisheries at ’Wellington, and these have 'been submitted to the district Inspectors of fisheries. It is from that source that the details so far as is known, have become known. There was a promise some time ago,, when it became known that regulations were contemplated, that the proposals would he submitted in tile first instance for the opinion of Acclimatisation Societies. That, however, has not been done. It would appear that in some quarters the Societies are being blamed for promoting or assisting to prgmote the regulations, but we believe that charge is not correct locally. There has been considerable agitation on the East Coast about the control of whitebaiting, particularly in the interests of the bait being conserved to some extent as .natural food for- trout! That attitude <and reason is naturally scouted in this district where the importance of the whitebait industry is recognised fully. As to the details of the proposed regulations, they can hardly be discussed bill their actual import is known. There are restrictions as to the duration of the season over which whitebait may he taken, which are exciting considerable adverse comment. It seems ridiculous to restrict the quantity of fish to be taken by hand nets for private consumption, and no doubt that proviso will go by the board. The restrictions affecting set nets require careful control because they must not be allowed to increase to such a size as to monopolise certain river locations. The duration of the season is worthy some consideration, and a three months’ embargo would hot he a hardshin for set-netting at least;-The main point of view is first,'in regard to the local food supply which should not be restricted unduly, if at all. and second, in regard to the industrial aspect in providing profitable employment and creating an industry, which it has been shown in me past, can be run to financial advantage. The matter of food supply for imported fish does not in our opinion come into the picture' at nil, being completely overshadowed by tTTe other main issues wo have referred to.