ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 171, 20 July 1903, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETIES.

MEETING OF THE COUNCIL,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Sunday.

The Council of the New Zealand Acclimatisation Societies met here yesterday. It was decided to write to the Colonial Secretary asking that acclimatisation societies should be permitted to destroy stoats and weasels where they serve no useful purpose. A long discussion took place in regard to poaching. It was resolved that the Council should approach the Government with the request that police officers should be instructed to assist in the suppression of the evil. Certain suggestions for the amendment of the Animals Protection Act and the Fisheries Conservation Act will also be placed before the Government.

The following recommendations of the committee were agreed to: —1. That there be a uniform shooting season throughout the colony, and uniform ghooting license fee., and that societies shall have power to endorse licenses issued by other societies. 2. That the godwit season in Auckland be altered to December, January and February. 3. That it be made compulsory to take out licenses to shoot native game. 4. That it be necessary for coursing clubs to take out licenses of not less than £5 in districts where hares are not vermin. 5. That regulations be framed providing for the registration of societies and the definition of boundaries. G. That any person shall have the privilege to transfer his right "to shoot on his own land without license to any one person for the whole season. 7. That a uniform fishing license fee be arranged throughout the colony without provision as to endorsement, as follows: £1 for men. five shillings for ladies and boys, and that it be optional for a society to issue half-season single river or special day licenses. 8. That the keeping of trout in a frozen state for more than seven days after the (.'lose of the fishing season be. prohibited. Mr Russell, the Invercargill delegate, speaking to the latter recommendation. said that hundred weights, if not tons, of frozen trout were sent away from his district after being netted.