WHITEBAIT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3776, 12 October 1907, Page 3

WHITEBAIT.

The whitebait season brings “ grist to the mill ” to quite a number of local individuals, from mere boys to men in the sear and yellow leaf. Early and late these fishers, like sentinels, line the banks of the river for miles. Large quantities of those minute and transparent members of the finny tribe are shipped from Foxton to Wellington, Palmerston and elsewhere in order to provide a table luxury. The little creatures are chased up the river by ravenous enemies from the briney and take to the banks for safety only to fall a prey, in millions, to the two legged monsters who await on the bank and scoop them into their nets. There are favourite points or stands along the river and competition is keen among the fishermen to secure the coveted localities. Some men sleep on the spot all night in order to prevent their claim being jumped. Rivalry and covetousness among the fishermen sometimes prevail. The majority however, observe fair play and if a man is found in possession of a stand as a rule he is not interfered with. One case has been reported to us where a man had remained by his “ stand ” all night in order to have sole possession in the morning. When the morning broke two others came along and planted their nets a few feet in front of him, and to use a colloquialism, ‘‘he was had.” This is not what is looked upon by Britishers as fair play. A ducking would be a justifiable punishment, but there’s safety in numbers. There are other little incidents of adventure in connection with the capture of whitebait that the muncher of the fritter knows nothing about. Catching whitebait is a very interesting and remunerative pastime and the season is always eagerly anticipated in Foxton.