47 
The Commissioners having consulted such District Boards as 
were in existence when they drew up their Report, it may be 
useful to see what answers these Boards gave, bearing on local 
management. 
In reference to the query, “Zs the constitution of District 
Boards satisfactory, as regulated by 25 and 26 Vict., cap. 37 
(1862), and 31 and 32 Vict., cap. 128 (1868)? Jf not, state 
what tmprovements you would suggest, and why?” 
From the forth District an answer came containing the 
following statement :—‘It should be made obligatory on pro- 
prietors of salmon fishings to appoint and maintain efficient 
District Boards, unless it be intended to depute their powers to 
Government Inspectors. At present there are no District Boards 
in the great majority of the salmon fishery districts. But even if 
there were, for all the rivers, I think it absolutely necessary that 
there should be qualified inspectors, with power to examine and 
inquire into all fisheries, and cause the enactments relating to 
them to be carried out.” ‘The absence of authoritative inspec- 
tion is a direct encouragement to neglect of the regulations.” 
From the Zay District an answer came containing the following 
statements :—‘“‘I am opposed to the manner in which District 
Boards are constituted. No Board with four to three can be a 
fair tribunal. Boards should be constituted of an equal number 
of upper and lower heritors, their chairman having a deliberative 
but not a casting vote. Instead of Boards, I would rather give 
the management of the fisheries to two paid Commissioners, 
provided they had ample powers.” 
“‘ District Boards should not have direct authority, but should 
report to a Central Board in Edinburgh. Some means should be 
devised for preventing individual interests being prejudicial to the 
general good of the fisheries in the district.” 
“Six members are sometimes more than can be found in the 
district of a small river. Again, six members are fewer than 
will admit of all the interests of a larger district being fully 
represented.” 
From the South Esk District an answer came containing the 
following statements :—“I consider District Boards of little use, 
