THE PEOPLE’S FORUM.

Northland Age, Volume 6, Issue 34, 14 May 1937, Page 9

THE PEOPLE’S FORUM.

In this column ,vill be published expressions of opinion on matters of public interest, if temperately worded, The paper is in no way identified with the views expressed by correspondents

THE TRAWLING MENACE Sir, —My last letter dealt principally with Doubtless Bay. That was I suppose, quite natural as I had had most information about the damage done by the trawlers and seiv netters there. At the same time I am quite satisfied that Doubtless Bay vis not the only pebble on the b-a'b. From North Cape to down the East Coast of the Nonh Bland the Marine Department admits the receipt of complaints on the havoc being wrought. This has been going on for years till now. The time has now come when if we wish to stave our fish supply and also our fishing industry we must make united efforts to get matters placed on a better and, incidentally, fairer to all basis. A storm of protest against things as they are, and there is ample material to point these protests, would force the Minister to declare on one side or the other. It is a sure thing that being a Scot he likes fish and it is even a surer thing that he will decide to save the fish food supply. These protests must be made at the earliest moment so that the decision to make it illegal for these penny-wise-pound-foolish trawlers to endanger both their own industry and the nation’s fish supply, may be gazetted. As it is the duty of every man to be loyal to his country and his fellow countrymen and to do all in his power to make things better than ho found them then it must follow that it is everyones’ business to do all they can to help in this extremely important matter. Hoping for a hearty endorsement from all public bodies of the action of the Mangonui and Districts Civic League in protesting to the Minister of Marine on this subject. I am, etc., R. J. NISBET.