ALLEGED WHITEBAIT POACHING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3689, 10 September 1927, Page 2

ALLEGED WHITEBAIT POACHING.

EARLY MORNING POLICE RAID.

Constables Owen and Bell in the “wee sina’ ” hours yesterday morning proceeded to the drain which provides an outflow from the lakes into the Manawalu River at the seaside, and which is a prohibited area for the netting of whitebait, to ascertain whether illegal fishing was being carried on. The police ensconc ed themselves in a suitable posse and waited patiently for the dawn and what it would reveal. Their vigil was subsequently rewarded, much to the surprise and possible disappointment of those who anticipated an early catch and a golden reward. What happened will be revealed at the next local sitting of the S.M. Court. We can say this much, however, that the minions of the law did not participate in whitebait fritters for breakfast.

The stream or drain attracts shoals of the little fish but owing to continual strife ancf physical encounters along its bank by those using the stream an Order-in-Coun-oii was passed prohibiting fishing in the locality. The temptation, however, to break the law has time and again proved too much for certain individuals who have been heavily fined.