2264 VETOES.

River in a depth greater than six feet. The bill specifies
no minimum depth of water and would, therefore, permit their
feeding in shallow waters. Careful tests in Maryland and
widespread experience in the industry in Virginia clearly
establish the fact that crab pots in shallow waters are quite
destructive of not only small crabs but of diamond back
terrapin and to some extent fish. This is an important rea-
son for limiting their use to Bay waters. Furthermore,
the Commission is of the opinion that if crab pots were
legalized in Tangier Sound, it would inevitably lead to pres-
sure for their use in adjacent areas and elsewhere throughout
the State. Should their general use be authorized, the Com-
mission does not believe that the crab population could be
maintained in the face of the greatly increased catch, which
would inevitably follow.

The Commission will undertake to hold public hearing on
the question of whether, under its regulatory power, it should
act to authorize the use of crab pots in, all or a portion
of Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound. In the light of
representations made by the various interest which would be
represented at such a hearing, the Commission could deter-
mine the advisability of a change in its present position on
this question.

For the above reasons, the bill will be vetoed.

CUMBERLAND
HOUSE BILL 459

AN ACT to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, Section
244 of Aritcle 56 of the Annotated Code of Maryland
(1939 Edition), title "Licenses", sub-title "Gasoline Tax",
providing for refunds of gasoline tax to be paid to the City
of Cumberland.

Under the present law taxes paid on gasoline that is pur-
chased for a motor vehicle usely solely within the limits of
Baltimore City or of any other incorporated city or town
in connection with a business operation, are required to be
refunded at a certain rate. This bill proposes to repeal such
refund provisions with respect to the City of Cumberland.
As the entire Section 244 of Article 56 of the Code, which
deals with the above refund is repealed by Senate Bill No.
359 which is one of the new State roads laws, the passage of
this bill is unnecessary.

The bill will therefore be vetoed.