ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2069, 19 October 1893, Page 34

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

The usual meeting of the Obago Acclimatisation Society, held on Monday afternoon, was attended by Messrs R. Chisho'm (in the chair, in the absence of Mr J. P. Maitland) Roberts, Edgar, Cuningham Smith, Deans, and Russell (secretary).

THE MANAGER'S ItEI'ORT,

The manager's report for the month of October was as follows :—: —

I have to report that tbe fish are now all hatched and looking healthy. The operations of the society being all carried on at Clinton, the hatching accommodation is taxed to tbe utmost, the large hatchery which is constructed to hatch some half a million being quite full and the other hatchery contains those obtained from the stock fish. Some of the latter being nearly ready for liberating, I would recommend that steps be taken to have these thinned out as soon as possible.

Through the agency of Mr Bills, 21 opossums were received from Victoria and liberated in tbe bush at Catlins. Mr Carlton reports that those received by him were turned out in good condition, and by the Wairarapa on Wednesday a consignment of pheasants (four hens and one cock) was received from Auckland. These are to be kept in confinement for the purpose of endeavouring to replenish our stock of winged game. They are in good condition, and for the present are placed in a temporary aviary at the ponds at Clinton. Mr M'Cormack having severed bis connection with the society, I would recommend that arrangements be made with him for the purpose of securing a few piirs of the fallow deer on the Blue Mountains. During his, term of langership, I have found him to be a careful, trustworthy aad energetic ranger, and I have no doubt that he would be the most suitable person to be tru'.te-i with this undertaking. Should he be successful, I would suggest that tbe young deer be liberated in the vicinity of the Cairn station. I do this because I believe this is an excellent locality for deer.

A Mr W. G. Morris has been appointed temporary successor to Mr M'Cormack, and with the lattei'a assistance I have erected a comfortable and substantial cottage for him at the ponds at Clinton. Several applications have been received for eel traps, and although large mms have been spsnt in making and distributing these trips during the past few years, it has not come to my knowledge that many eels hay c been destroyed by those to whom the eelpots Lave been distributed, so that I cannot recommend that any more money be spout in that direction at present. But with the view of ascertaining what has been done, I would suggest that the secretary place himself in rommunication with those who got charge of the traps, and if they are not using them they be requested to return tliem or pass them on to their neighbours.

It was resolved that Mr .Deans be instructed to communicate with Mr M'Cormack with a view of inquiring as to what price he would supply young deer at. The secretary was also authorised to communicate with those persons possessing eelpots.

THE BANKS OF TUB LEITH,

A letter was received from the Maori Hill Borough -Council wibh. reference to anglers injuring the banks of the Leith. while looking

for creepers. — It was resolved that notice be given to fishermen to discontinue the dangerous practice.