The news & observer., 1901-02-22
NEW OYSTER LAW
introduced in the House Yes
teTday by Mr.. Mann.
An Oyster Commissioner and Inspector Pre-
Vidsd For. Many New Features in
the Bill.

ones are embodied in the following pro-
visions.
Section l. That for the purpose of exc
cutting and enforcing the oyster laws of
this State, there shall be an Oyster Conn
missioner appointed by the Governor.
whose salary shall be seven hundred dol
aars per annum, payable monthly and
actual travelling expenses not TO exceed
IN any one year the sum Of three hun
dred dollars.
There shall also be an inspector from
each of the following counties, viz: Hyde,
Beaufort, Dare, Pamlico and Carteret.
who shall be appointed by the Governor
and receive a salary of four hundred
dollars each per annum, payable monthly.
There shall also be a sufficient number
Cf sub inspectors in each Of said coun-
ties, and al ether places where necessary,
to carry into effect and properly enforce
the laws. The sub-inspectors shall be
appointed by the Oyster Commissioner
upon the recommendation of the Inspector
of the county wherein they are to serve
but upon his own Judgment if the SER
vice is 10 be in a county which has no
inspector. They shall receive salary OF
thirty dollars per month during the oys-
ter season, and shall be subject to re-
4aovai at any time by the inspector OF
their county or by the oyster Commls-
ssoner
The term of office of the Oyster Com
missioner and of the Inspectors for the
counties named, shall be two years or
until their successors are appointed and
qualified.
cb ha n
the Governor upon complaint and
hearing.
All officers appointed under this act
shall give bond for the faithful perform,
ance< Of duty and the proper accounting
fer all moneys received by them.
The bond of the Oyster Commissioner
sAall be two thousand dollars.
That of each Inspector one thousand
dollars
THAI of the Sub Inspectors five hundred
cellars each,
Said bonds shall be made payable to
the State Of North Carolina and such
snall have two good md sufficient sure
ties, or they may be given III a guaran'
t.e or or insurance company authorized
to Go business in this State. They shall
b. approved by and filed with the clerl
u
cEflcer resides.
Each of said officers shall also sub
scribe to and file with their bonds an
cath, properly administered to faith
fully perform the duties of their office.
Sec ,. 1t shall be the duty of the
oyster Commissioner to have y genera
supervision over every branch of the
oyster industry and TO see that the laws
Lot .ioi1 on.
forced.
He shall furnish 10 the inspectors anc
10 the clerks of the several counties
mentioned in this act and 10 subinspec-
tcrs stationed in other counties. receipt
end records books and all other kinds
ot stationery necessary 10 keep correct
record and account of all money collect
cl and all information required to be
kept. Said stationary shall be furnished
b. the Commissioner OF Labor and Print
ing upon requisition Of the Oyster Com,
II ssoner.
he shall see that the law regulating
lie catching and handling CT oysters is
used in catching, selling or shipping that
tho Gull law is rigidiy enforced, and that
ely proper and legal measures are used
All violaters of the law and whenever it
is necessary he may employ counsel for
Ills purpose. He and the inspectors and
sgch inspectors are hereby authorized and
empowered TO arrest, with or without
warrant. ang person or persons violating
aIy of the provisions of the oyster laws.
He shall use the States steamer Lille
fer the purpose of enforcing the law anu
nay employ a captain and crew for the
same. He may also employ or charter
said vessels, tugs and other boats when
pecessary.
He shall in his official capacity hav
I'd wer to administer oaths and to send
fer and examine persons and papers.
lie shall on or before the 25th day
of each month. mail TO the Treasurer Of
the State a consolidated statement show
ing the amount of taxes collected during
ethe preceding month, and by and from
Mom collected
Ee shall make biennial report to the
bvernor. setting forth in detail an ac-
Pccunt Of his official acts; the condition
% the oyster industry in all its branches;
and shall recommend such additions to
or notifications of existing laws relating
4! areto as he may deem proper and neces-
& ry.
Sec. g. The inspectors for the coun 3es
s,all be charged with the especial super
vision under the commissioner, of all
l,'atters relating to the oyster industry
IL their respective counties. and each
in addition perform the duties required
ci a sub inspector.
They are particularly charged with the
rigid enforcement of thcs Gull feature of
Ire law; the provision against the use
of illegal measures in buying or selling,
ard the unlawful use of scoops, acrape.,
apd dredges in the bays, creeks, straits,
a' ands, rivers and their tributaries and
ewhere where The same are prohibited
. with the collection of all taxes.
Whenever oysters arc offered for sale
q loaded upon any vessel car on train fol
transportation + out OF the State without
h, wing been properly culled, according tC
l@V, the commissioners or inspectors OF
sab-inspectcrs shall seize the boat. vessel
rar or train containing the same and
81 all cause the said oysters to be re-
trned to and scattered upon the public
grounds, and the cost and expenses OF
s; id seizure and transportation shall be
prior lien to all other liens on said
Gat;-vesael, ear or train, and if not paiC
On demand the officers making the seizure