The writer of a letter to the Times of Tuesday
throws an interesting light on a paragraph published in the papers on August 9th stating that the Duke of Northumberland bad summoned two men at Alnwick for having fished within the low-water mark at Warkworth Harbour. The paragraph, as the writer of the letter says, suggested "another of the tyrannous Dukes in conflict with the people—quite an ideal text for another hysterical shriek at Limehouse." But the facts are these. The fishing of practically every salmon river is protected at its mouth by a " playground " for the salmon in which no one is allowed to fish with nets. In the case of the Coquet, as the fishing at the month belongs to the Duke, action can only be taken by him. The protection of the " playground " is essential for the preservation of the fishing in the river. It might be supposed that the Duke lets the fishing which we find him protecting so carefully for a large sum. But this is not so at all. He has handed over the twelve miles of valuable rod-fishing to the Northumbrian Anglers' Federation at the nominal rent of a shilling a year. And he has done this on the understanding that licenses to fish shall be granted for such small fees that they shall be within the means of working men. The profits of the Federa- tion go to the upkeep of the river. Thus the Duke actually pays for the protection of the public, and is abused for doing so as a heartless tyrant !
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