In the hallowed halls of the Limerick Fishery Board, a matter of considerable importance took center stage during the monthly meeting on January 7. With Lord Massy presiding, the deliberations focused on a pressing issue—the reduction of fines imposed on poachers. Mr E. H. Bosford, the board’s clerk, presented a detailed account of fines inflicted for illegal fishing since 1895, revealing a startling revelation that demanded urgent attention.
The total fines imposed over the thirteen-year period amounted to a substantial £1554.10s. However, a significant portion of this sum, £1198.45.6d., had been subject to reduction through memorials, leaving a mere £356.5s.6d. to be collected. The gravity of this matter prompted a thorough discussion, particularly regarding the financial strain on the board resulting from these reductions.
In a noteworthy historical context, Mr Bosford brought attention to the board’s efforts in 1905. At that time, Lord Dunraven had taken up the cause, successfully persuading the Lord Lieutenant and the Lords Justices to halt the practice of reducing fines on memorials to headquarters. This intervention had proven effective for three years, putting a halt to the reduction of fines. However, the spectre of reduction was now rearing its head once again, raising concerns among the board members.
After a considerable exchange of views, Mr S. C. Vansittart, recognizing the severity of the situation, proposed a resolution that resonated with the unanimous agreement of the board. This forceful resolution, seconded by Mr W. W. Bailie, expressed the board’s deep concern over the cumulative reductions amounting to £1198.4s.6d. over the past thirteen years. In a bold stance, the resolution declared that the board found it challenging to sustain prosecutions without adequate compensation for the loss to its funds.
The resolution, which carried the weight of the board’s collective voice, asserted that unless the government undertakes to provide financial relief, specifically in the form of a grant amounting to £1000 per annum, the board would struggle to continue its vital work against poaching. This sum, seen as necessary compensation, would serve to fortify the board’s financial resilience and enable it to fulfill its duty of protecting the region’s fisheries.
In a united decision, it was agreed that copies of this resolution would be dispatched to key entities—the Fishery Board, the Vice-President of the Agricultural Board, the Lord Lieutenant, and the Chief Secretary. This strategic dissemination aimed to ensure that the gravity of the situation reached the highest echelons of governance, emphasizing the urgent need for financial support in the board’s relentless battle against illegal fishing.
Limerick, a city with a rich history and a commitment to preserving its natural resources, now stands at a crucial juncture. The resolution passed at the Fishery Board meeting is not just a plea for financial assistance; it is a resounding call for recognition of the board’s invaluable role in safeguarding the region’s fisheries. As the echoes of this resolution reverberate through the lush landscapes of Limerick, the hope is that they will find receptive ears in the corridors of power, sparking a collabourative effort to ensure the sustainable future of the region’s aquatic treasures.
Field – Saturday 16 January 1909
