Theodore R. McKeldin, Governor                 1659

the State on possession and sale of rockfish. So construed, the statute
would legalize the catching of rockfish from 15 to 25 pounds in weight,
and at the same time prohibit their possession within the State of
Maryland. This would require immediate export of such rockfish to
some other State in which possession of rockfish, weighing between
15 and 25 pounds, is legal.

The difficulties of enforcement and anomalies inherent in either
construction are strong but not necessarily controlling, considera-
tions. However, I am advised that leading conservationists recom-
mend the 15 pound weight limitation because the species above 15
pounds are the most prolific spawners and their preservation there-
fore extremely desirable. This would seem to be the controlling rea-
son for the non-Statewide application of the present exception and a
valid reason for continuing the present limitation, especially in the
light of the patent ambiguities of the Bill.

I have therefore vetoed Senate Bill No. 140.

Respectfully,

(s) Theodore R. McKeldin,

Governor.

Senate Bill No. 215—Harford County Assessors

AN ACT to add new Section 234 (j) AND NEW SECTION 235 (H)
to Article 81 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1956 Supple-
ment), title "Revenue and Taxes", sub-title "State Tax Commis-
sion", said new Sections to follow immediately after Section 234
(i) AND SECTION 235 (G) thereof, providing that the County
Commissioners of Harford County may supplement the salary of
the assessors.

April 15, 1957.

Hon. Louis L. Goldstein
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. President:

By the terms of Senate Bill 215, increasing the salary of the Super-
visor of Assessments for Harford County, it is not to be effective if
House Bill 1 is enacted into law.

House Bill 1, providing a Statewide salary increase for Super-
visors of Assessments, has now been signed by me.

I am, therefore, vetoing Senate Bill 215.

Respectfully,

(s) Theodore R. McKeldin,

Governor.

TRMcK/tk