Ixxii 



properly preserved, arc susceptible of becoming an iinporlaiiL, ijteansc 

 abiiiiilaiit, cheap, ami wliolesoiue article of food. Is the present plan of 

 non-interference likely to ensure to future generations the fullest possible 

 supply of this food staple? Is it even such as to ensure their inheriting 

 a supply cijual to that which now exists? The Governor General in 

 Council apprehends that both these questions must bo answered in the 

 negative: and that not only is there no prosiiect, as matters now stand, of 

 an increased supply hereafter, but that, owing to the absence of precau- 

 tionary measures and reasonable restrictions, the existing supjily is dimi- 

 nishing. His Excellency in Council believes, on the other hand, that it 

 would be possible, by the adoption of such measures and restrictions, to 

 increase the supply very largely in a few years. If this be so, it would 

 clearly be the duty of the Slate to take the necessary measures."] 



IIG. The Bc'i'eniie Botinl coni'muo — " they think that they can Tiot. 



now but recommend Oovernnient to prepare a 

 Proposnl foiihaft tislicry Act. draft Act, drawn in accordance with the spirit 



and provision of the Land Acquisition Act, 

 X of 1870, to enable them to undertake the conservancy of all waters 

 to which its provisions may be extended, with due ])rovision for inviting 

 and decitling counter-claims and rights by the Collector or Courts, and 

 for compensating the owners of such rights or casements where such 

 rights arc inlcrfered with or resumed." The lioard proposed tiie Act 

 should contain provision tiiat tanks and streams not perennial be free [| a 

 provision niroiujlji to he dcjj recti led, as most of the Madras rivers are 

 so, more esjit eially as the lioard suggest oidy prohibiting trajis in rivers 

 declared to oe taken under Government conservancy, but permitting' 

 every speeica of poaching (ex.;ept damming and poisoning) in lields, 

 minor channels, and ponds,] 1 hat in rivers and tidal estuaries it shall be 

 declared lawful for Governmenl to levy a tax on fisheries in such waters, 

 either in the form of rent, or oi' fees on imiilcnicnts of fishery; the col- 

 lection of such fees to be kepi directly under the management of Gov- 

 ernment or I'armed out. Tlj.,t poisoning of waters for the purpose of 

 oatching llsh, and the ]iolliitii)h lA waters by the refuse of coH'cc-pulpcrs 

 ami other deleterious works be .nterdieted under heavy penalties. That 

 the minimum size of the mesh of nets be defined by law at two inches in 

 circumference in fresh waters, and that immature fish, the description and 

 size of which are to be determined and notified by Government, captured are 

 to be returned to the water under penalty. That the interruption by dams 

 and tra))s of the entire waterway of public rivers, and the use of cruivcs 

 and the like devices be prohibited in rivers declared to be taken uiuler 

 Government conservancy. That no interference is intended or to be 

 permitted with the existing rights of the people to catching and retain- 

 ing fish in their own fields, minor channels, and ponds, but that it shall 

 be lawful for the officers entrusted by law with the conservancy of fish- 

 eries, to insert gratings in the head of any channels leading to such fields. 

 That rod and line-angling be untaxed. That a separate fishery dei)ait- 

 ment be constituted under the Board, who suggest that all rents derived 

 from fisheries should for the present constitute a fund for the iirotection 

 and improvement nf this industry. These now amount, on the average u[' 

 five years, to l!s. 80,001), witli a steady upward tendency. It must be 

 borne in mind Ihal, praclieally, milhing i.'^ ercthled under this lu'ad in (he 



