A specially convened meeting of the Limerick Fishery Conservators took place recently, with Lord Massy presiding, to address concerns regarding the Salmon Fisheries (Ireland) (No. 2) Bill, currently under consideration in the House of Commons. During the meeting, Mr E.H.P. Hosford, the secretary, presented several resolutions from various fishery boards across the country, all voicing their opposition to the proposed legislation.
In his remarks, Mr Ingham, J.P., moved a resolution regarding the Bill, characterizing it as a grave injustice to Ireland. He expressed serious concerns about the potential repercussions if the Bill were to become law. The adverse impacts, he warned, would affect various sectors, including railway companies, hotel owners, vendors of fishing tackle, and fishermen. Mr Ingham moved the following resolution:
“That this Board, having considered the provisions of the Salmon Fisheries (Ireland) (No. 2) Bill, if passed into law, would render all the several salmon fisheries in Ireland valueless and would, in a few years, absolutely destroy the salmon fisheries in Ireland, as the enforcement of the existing laws for the prevention of illegal fishing would thereby be rendered impossible.”
Dr Blood Smyth seconded this resolution. He highlighted a critical change brought about by the Bill, which would increase the number of members on the board significantly. Currently, there were twenty-four elected members, but if the Bill passed, this number would rise to 230, with members being nominated by County and District Councillors. Mr Blood Smyth also pointed out other inconsistencies and issues with the proposed legislation.
During the meeting, an amendment was proposed, suggesting that a delegation should meet with the Chief Secretary, Mr John Redmond, to discuss matters related to financial support and sufficient protection for the fisheries. However, this amendment lacked a seconder, and as a result, the original resolution was adopted, albeit with one dissenting vote.
The concerns expressed by the Limerick Fishery Conservators and other fishery boards across Ireland highlight the deep-seated worries about the potential impact of the Salmon Fisheries (Ireland) (No. 2) Bill on the country’s salmon fisheries and related industries. The resolution underscores the belief that the proposed legislation could undermine the viability of these vital fisheries and the enforcement of essential conservation laws.
Kerry News – Wednesday 13 June 1906
