ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Press, Volume VII, Issue 815, 10 June 1865, Page 2

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

yr The annual meeting of this society was held last evening in the Mechanics' Institute. The following members were present:—The hon. John Hall, Messrs. Ayheley, Hill, Sheath, Humphreys, Wynn Williams, Macfarlane (secretary), ECawdon, Davie and Wilkin. Mr. Wilkin in the chair. The Chairman stated that the annual meeting should have been held early in May, but in consequence of no quorum then being present, no meeting was held ; a report of the proceedings for the last year had, however, been drawn up by the Committee, which he would request the Secretary to read, and it would then be their duty to elect the office-bearers *nd committee for the ensuing year. The Secretary then read the report, which, was as follows:— " Toward the end of April, 1864, a public meeting was held in the Town Hall, for the purpose of organising this society. The gentlemen then elected as the council of the society proceeded to draw up rules and regulations, which were subsequently approved by the society, and the council has met once a month, with a few exceptions, for the purpose of carrying out the objects for which the society was formed. " Soon after the Government instructed them that they would grant the use of the Domain for the purposes of the society, and would apply to the Provincial Council for money to lay out the grounds, so as to make them available to the public as ornamental gardens in connection with che society ; the council of the society appointed two members to act with two gentlemen appointed by the Government to superintend the planting and laying out of the grounds. Keeping the objects of the society in view, the board planned the improvements so as to. leave a space in the centre capable of being turned into three paddocks. The means of the society have not permitted the fencing and improvements necessary to render the land of any use. " On the other side of the river a series of ponds for the acclimatisation of fish have been formed, and a small garden has been made for the reception of seeds and plants likely to prove useful importations. A cottage has ' been built for the accommodation of a man, to take care of the property of the society. ■*- ' "The Council considered that as it had obtained a I grant of £300 in aid of the Tasmanian experiment of introducing salmon and trout, it was its first duty to provide suitable accommodation for any which might arrive, and it believes that by the kind co-opera-tion of Mr. Thornton and Dr. Haast, and of the other gentlemen who troubled themselves'in the matter, such ponds have been constructed as will, it is hoped, serve the %nd in view. " Aβ far as regards the introduction, of new *mm»if and planti, which ought always to be the moot promi-

nent object of an Acclimatization Society, much cannot be expected from the short time and the limited means at the command of the society. " Several presents had been made to the society by Y i!ki V nd othe ". a"* purchase, of English birds have been made to as great an er« tent as the society could afford. The birds turned loose m the early part of the season have increased and there is no reason to think that those turned out later will not be equally lucky. "The serriceaof Mr. Johnston hare been of ver? great service to the Society, and if in the future any consigninont of ova and fish shall arrive from Tasmania, or elsewhere, his long experience in the management of such matters -will render him a most valuable acquisition. j » The Committee for the layiug out of the domain desire to acknowledge with gratitude the zeal and ability of Mr. Barker, the Government gardener, and the great assistance which he has rendered in carrying out the works. " The Council for the past year, in surrendering the trust imposed upon it, beg to express a hope that the public will to a greater extent support the society in its endeavors to carry out its objects which though almost inappreciable now, would, it believes, be of lasting importance and benefit to the country." Mr. Hill was sorry that in consequence of the ill* ness of the Secretary, the accounts could not be laid before the meeting. There was, however, he might state, in the hands of the Treasurer, £36, and Mr. Johnston had coilected between £80 or £90, against which they had to pay salaries. There was a considerable sum also due to Messrs. Miles and Co., for birds, and a sum due for wire to the amount of £119 The Public "Domains Board had, however, allowed the society £100 out of its fund, towards defraying the expenses of the wire, wluch would be placed in a permanent position on its grounds. There were also many subsciptions unpaid, most of which might soon be expected to be collected. The Government had acted liberally towards the socinty by allowing them to employ it skborers, and Mr. Barker, the Government gardener, had alao been of great assistance. He had worked very zealously for the society, and seemed to have its- welfare much at heart. The Chairman stated that their first duty would be the election of office-bearers, which was then proceeded with, and the following officers elected: Hon. F. A. Weld, president; Messrs. Potts, J. 0. Wilson, Stoddarfc, Wilkin and Dr. Haast, vice-pre". sideut. Council for the ensuing year:—Hon. J.Hal] Messrs. A. C. Barker, G. Brittan, G. Macfarlan, h! Murray-Aynsley, J. C. J. Stevens, R. Hill, G. Milee T. Hawdon, T. W. White, E. T. Peacock, W. Hislop W. Reeves, G. Packe, G. L. Lee, and J. Davie. The hon. Secretary, Mr. Mucfarlan, resigned his office as hon. secretary, and Mr. Johnston, the curator, was elected in his stead ; Mr. G. Gould was re-eleoted treasurer. The Secretary then read a letter from Mr. T. Shand, complaining that the emu " Jack," belonging to the society, had "frightened his horse, and caused the breakage of hie bridle. The writer wished an order upon a saddler in Christchurch to replace the broken bridle. The Secretary said he had promised Mr. Shand to bring the matter under their notice. Mr. Hill thought "Jack" was not likely to do any injury to any thing, either horse or man. The bird was peculiarly inoffensive, and wished to fraternise with every animal, and with this idea he might pos* siblv have frightened the horse of Mr. Shand. Hon. J. HaU, amidst considerable laughter, moved that the letter be referred to the new Council. Mr. Aynsley moved, that in Rule 3, the words " of yearly subscribers of smaller sums" should be inserted ; the words " the members of Classes 1 and 2 shall be qualified to act on the Council of the society" were inserted. The motion was carried. It was mentioned that Sir G. Grey had most kindly offered the society specimens of animals and birds in his possession. The Chairman would suggest that any member of the General Assembly attending the next session should communicate with Sir G. Grey on the eubject, and by this means many interesting species might be introduced. During the discussion, it was mentioned that the imported deer at Kawau had done remarkably well, and that the chances were they wonld succeed equallywell in Canterbury, the hills of which were peculiarly fitted for them. Mr. Hislop said he had lately made a donation of some very scarce plants to the society,'and these had been allowed to perish by reason of being planted in - exposed places. Mr. HIII regretted the circumstance. Hβ believed that every care had been taken to preserve everything placed in his charge by Mr. Johnston. JSon. J. Hall hoped that the attention of the sooiety would be directed to the introduction of small biroe. Mr. Bossly said that as a member of the Acolima* tisation Society of Sydney, he wished to state thai that society would be glad to exchange any specimen* they might possess with the Canterbury society. He should shortly be returning to that colony, and should. be happy to take charge of any specimens that might be intrusted to him, and would guarantee, on behalf of His society, a fair return. The Chairman thanked Mr. Bossly for his kind offer, and stated that the sooiety would be most happy to make exchanges, but at present they had few things to offer. He should be glad to receive the reports of the Sydney society. Mr. Bossly promised to furnish them. Messrs. Hall and Hislop would prepare a case of plants for Mr. Bossly. The usual votes of thanks terminated ceedings. i - j^