The Daily Alaska empire., 1947-09-19

Craig, September 24 Petersburg, September PC; Ketchikan, Septem- Der 20; and in Anchorage, Kodiak and Cordova to the Westward. A final hearing will be held in Se- Iattle on October 27.
 Thompson called upon witnesses to be brief as possible and to confine their remarks to changes in regulations they believe nec- essary in 1948, if possible sum- marking their views in the form Iof specific recommendations. Oral testimony may be amplified in written briefs by those who wish, he said, with briefs receiving the same consideration as your oral testimony provided they are re- ceived in the office of the Direct or of Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D C., not later than November 30." That date, he stressed, lis an absolute deadline if the regulations are to be printed and ready for distribution by the end of March
 Warning Ignored
 Despite the warning given that commercial salmon fishermen may be shut out of the northern DOT tion of Southeast Alaska next season, and Thompson's ban on trap discussion, this mornings discussion was mainly centered on the trap issue, with the William l.. Pauls-Senior and Junior-dom- mating the discussion, as repre- sentatives of the Alaska Native Brotherhood.
 Others making statements were Carrol C. Jones of the CIO United Fishermen; Elmer Lindstrom, Uni ted Trollers, of Juneau; Fred Wet cat, secretary of the United Troll CTS at Pelican; Clancy Henkins, a gill netter, and c. E. Peck, ANB secretary at Klukwan.
 Paul Jr. opened with demand that the hearings be conducted ac- cording to the Administrative pro ceedings Act, with witnesses sub l ject to direct and cross -'examina ton. When Thompson replied il had been ruled that the hearings te informal Paul replied the alter native is that the ANB will not feel bound to abide by the 194t regulations. He first claimed 2 proprietary interest for his clients as ANB attorney, contending reg ulations based on informal pro- oeedings could be construed as de privation of property rights with. out due process of law actior contrary to the Constitution
 Later he added that fishermen are often reluctant" to testify un. less they can be guided by counse to put their remarks in order. H. suggested that in absence of suf 1icient funds for research thu F&WL Services best source of in formation is in the wealth of eX- perience to be offered by the fish. Iermen.
 Demands Trap Talk
 Paul Jr also demanded that ht be permitted to discuss the traI issues. Thompson conceded tha anything specific on fish trap pertaining to the 1948 regulations would be heard-but not on th' general issue of traps vs. seines
 In summary, Paul. Jr.'s lengthy remarks contended:
 1-The present system of fish cry regulation inherently" favor traps over seincs because the reg ulation mainly consists of closinl those inner waters where seine best can operate, after the fisl are by the traps.
 2-Early salmon runs in South east Alaska have almost entirel. Teen killed off by too intensive fishing, regulation now must keel the late run from being killed , off too. He believes ANB fish 'ermen will be generally in agree ment with the proposed uniform August 9 opening.
 |, 3-The only way to achiev , even escapement of salmon , throughout the entire season i elimination of traps. Alternativ is closing of traps every night which would require too great al :. enforcement force, as a watchmal would be needed on every trap.
 4-There is tendency towart too much gear in particular areas particularly under the staggered seasons. He believes the AMI would endorse restrictions upon tn number of units of each type o gear entering an area. Thomp son had previously stated the F&WL agrees fishing is too in tensive and asked how increas in number of seines could be kep from offsetting elimination o traps, since the Service is no authorized to limit the numbe of units of gear.
 Later Taku Season
 Paul, Jr, presented a specifi recommendation on the part o Taku gill netters that the kim season there be set back 10 days from May 10 to June 10, as mudd