Morning appeal. [volume] (Carson City, Nev.) 1877-1906, 1893-04-30
THE FISH COMMISSIONER.
He Explains His Position in Re-
gard to Fish Laws.

NIeO. L. MILLS lIlo N6Ndud 1911
Commissioner was interviewed at
length yesterday concerning his
powers as a Fish Commissioner. He
quoted the law to the writer in all
matters pertaining to the construc-
ton Of fish ways and ladders in
which he throws considerable light
on the subject, of late causing so
much discussion among fishermen.
The law at present is in state of
incompleteness and until amended
will not permit him to act as he de-
sires for the best interests of the
fishermen of this State. He says:
81 am willing to do anything to
improve the condition of our streams
and lakes and further protection Of
all varieties of fish.
''Some people seem to think | am
not at all interested in the protection
of catfish aud perch but this is most
decidedly an error. l realize that
many men take as much pleasure
catching these fish as they do trout
and inasmuch as they are entitled to
some privileges, you can state that
am prepared to give all protection in
my power to any kind IF food fish
which swim in Nevada waters, but |
do not believe that | should be held
responsible for defects in the statutes.
You will see by. the law enacted in
1877, which has not since been
amended, entitled "An Act to pro
vide for the preservation of fish in
the waters Of this state," that l am
not empowered to crafty all wishes.
1t reads:
Sec lie may also employ per-
sons skillful and expert in the bust
ness of fish breeding and may super
intend and direct the construction of
fish ways and ladders that may be
built in the streams and waters Of
this State.
He continued: "You will see by
that | am not instructed to build
these fish ways and ladders, but
merely to superintend their construc-
ton if they should be built
The purpose q the law has been
carried out as far as | am concerned,
beyond which | cannot consistently
60.
''In regard to the screen question
at the mouths of bitches, canals etc,
! will give you information sufficient
to satisfy any man that | am anxious,
to do the correct thing.
Gin Assembly bill sc introduced in
the Legislature March 4th, 1891,
drawn up by myself, there was a
strong clause, with sufficient penalty,
compelling persons, firms and cor
poration to place at the mouths Of
said bitches, canals etc, wire
screen of sufficient strength and
qualify to prevent any fish entering
said ditch, canal etc, but it was
stricken out in the Assembly, which
action was the absolute obstruction
of the bill from a protection stand
point.
1.-THE Washoe lake canal dam is
not constructed so that fish can be
held back, as the outlet is at the bot
tom of the dam instead of at the top.
In consequence the suction draws all
fish within radius of twenty feet
into the vortex to be carried out into
the irrigating ditch below the dam.
These fish by the way are not alto
gether lost as the majority find their
way TO Pyramid lake through Steam
boat creek and Truckee river. What
should be done is to place screen
some distance above the dam, where
the suction is nominal and the fish
| could then be held in Washoe lake.
"This may be done later by sub
scription from different sporting
clubs, from Washoe, Ormsby and
Storey counties, and when the time
comes l will gladly superintend the
construction in proper manner.