UNDERSIZED FLOUNDERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 952, 9 February 1911, Page 3

UNDERSIZED FLOUNDERS.

A SUBSTANTIAL FINE

Before Mr H. W. Bishop, at the Leestou Magistrate’s Court, on Friday, the Collector ot Customs charged Mark Edwards tMr Cassidy), with having in his possession flounders under the regulation size. Edwards was also charged with being engaged m fishing while his boat was unlicensed.

Defendant pleaded guilty. A «■; a: was made against Robert Wallace, for whom Mr Cassidy appeared, for having undersized flounders in his possession. Mr Cassidy argued that Wallace was simply assisting Edwards in the management ot his boat. He took no part in the fishing, and did not know that any undersized flounders had been caught.

The ranger said he understood Wallace was a fishing mate of Edwards’. He gave evidence as to seeing the undersized fish, nine in number, in the cart occupied by Edw< rds and Wallace. Constable Moriarty also gave evidence as to seeing the undersized flounders.

Mr Cassidy contended that there was no evidence to prove that Wallace knew anything of the fish being undersize. Robert Wallace, the defendant, stated that he was in the boat with Edwards all night, but had nothing to do with the fish, and did not know of any undersized flounders being caught. They lauded at daylight. The Magistrate said he regarded the offence of having undersized flounders as a very serious one, and if he passed it over in a lenient way it would strike a severe blow right at the root oi the Act. Edwards would be fined £$ on that charge, and ros on the charge of using an unlicensed boat. Wallace would be lined 20s 011 the charge oi having undersized flounders in his possession. Defendants were allowed a week in which to pay the lines.