Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-17
MONEY FROM OYSTERS
STATE BOARD OF FISHERIES PRE-
DICT A LARGE INCOME,
NEW LAW PROVING A GREAT SUCCESS
A Meeting of the BOARD mt Murphy,s
Inst Night-The Trouble with
Tongmcn Discussed - Propagation
OF Fish.
OF Fish.

After meeting Of the State Board Of
FISHERIES here last night, II was stated
by members Of the board that the oyster
Industry Of the State would yield net
revenue during the present fiscal year of
probably $4,000
Last year the expenses Of enforcing the
oyster laws, and protecting the beds, not
only consumed all the revenue from the
industry, but 81 600 had TO be taken out Of
the State Treasury for this purpose be-
sides. f.
Naturally, the members OF the board
are much elated at the prospect OF being
able TO make such fine showing. They
have devoted their best energies to the
work, and are determined that every
dollar possible shall be turned into the
treasury.
ARE DOING THEIR BEST.
1--WE are doing our level best" said
Secretary Miller, Of the board. last night.
I'VE realized. when We entered upon our
duties last April, that something had 10
be done, or the oyster beds of the State
were gone. / think every man on the
board has been giving his best efforts to
make the new law success. to protect
the oyster and fish industry of the State,
and to turn into the treasury every dollar
possible.
1--WE cannot, Of course, tell exactly how
much we are going to make the industry
yield i'm taxation" he continued. but
feel safe in saying we will turn into the
treasury $4,000 may be little less, may
be little more"
President Fletcher corroborated the
estimate of Secretary Miller.
MAKE A GOOD SHOWING.
1--WE do not wish to promise too much"
said DR.. Fletcher, but there is every
reason TO believe that we are going to
make a showing at the end Of the pres
ent fiscal year that may surprise and
am sure will crafty the people Of Vir-
ginia. The law, / am sure, has been de-
monstrated to be a good one. The Legis
lature, however may be asked to make
some amendments at it's next session"
The session of the board at Murphy's
last night was a lengthy one, and was
held after a session at Norfolk yesterday.
An important matter considered was the
recent trouble between tongers and
planters Of Warwick county, as the re-
suit of which seventeen Of the former
were arrested a large number of them
fined, and two sent on to the grand jury
OtNtidi NlillNHHtN Ntlt tAdluihfAf Dut
no conclusion was reached. 1t was stated
by a member OF the board that there was
every reason to believe that the trouble
would be amicably adjusted in a few
days. The tongers claim that the plant
ers are infringing on natural rock; the
planters claim the tongers are encroach-
ing upon their rented beds.
THE PROPAGATION OF FISH
The board also considered methods OF
propagating fish. II is probable that steps
will be taken in this direction as soon
as the board has funds at its disposal for
| the purpose.
The members of the board present were
DR.. Frank Fletcher, Accomac, president;
Mr.. 5. Il. Miller, Mathews, secretary. and
Messrs. George 3. KeeZell, Rockingham;
Pembroke Petit, Fluvanna, and Captain
John a. Curtis. Richmond. The members
will go to their homes to-day. Miss
Fletcher Is with her father.