ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11690, 17 September 1903, Page 6

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

The Acclimatisation Society met. last evening. Present—Messrs J. B. Fisher (chairman), L. Hart, J. W. H. Wood, 11. 1). Harmon, G. F. Whiteside*, A. Swanston, C. D. Morris, R. P>, Holds worth, 11. Quane.

Mr George King, who, with Mr Gibb (Yacht Club) had waited on the Domain Board, reported that the Board had altered the out-lei from the lake to the river since last emptying the lake, and it was now at two levels. The upper level would reduce the water to half its normal depth, and by removing the lower cap the lake would drain itself. The Board, while having no objection to the sluice-gate, suggested by trie Council, would like tho present arrangements tried beforo making any alterations. Mr Gibb had reported that the Yacht Club was 'willing to level the bottom of the pond, and Mr King informed the Society that if this was done the outlet would "be sufficient, and would answer tiie Society's purpose and justify its contribution towards a deep well! The report was adopted. The Wuititki and Waimato Acclimatisation Society wrote, asking tho Society's co-operation in obtaining big game for rough back-country. It was resolved" to ask for particulars of the sum thev proposed to devote to this purpose, and to state that the Canterbury Society had already promised to contribute a large sum to assist the Government in importing big game. The Marine Department wrote that regulations for allowing netting in Lake Ellesmere were being prepared by Mr Ayson. if the Society arranged with-the men engaged in netting by compensating them, the question of revoking the regulations would be eon side red. With regard to the -Society's request that a, portion of the Christchurch Domain at present under the control of the Society for aviaries and fish hatcheries bo vested in the Society, the Colonial Secretary wrote covering a resolution from tho Board offering the Society twenty-one years' lease, rent free, on condition that no trees were cut down or any fresh races opened without the Board's permission. The Garden Committee was appointed to wait on the Domain .Board, and point out that the County Council's promised contribution of £2OO was conditional on the Society having full control. The Committee is to see if satisfactory arrangements can be made in regard to races and trees, and report. Tho Anglers' Club wrote that it was starting a fund for compensating or buying out the net fishermen at Lake Ellcsmere, and anticipated assistance from the Council.

It was re*solved that, having regard to the attitude taken up by tho Government, and the excessive compensation claimed by the fishermen, the society declined to contribute towards a compensation fund.

The Government will be informed that there are no marks defining the limits of netting in tho Ashley, and will he requested to put in permanent marks, and erect notices. The Government will also bo requested to provide regulations for' netting at the mouths of tho Ashley, Heathcote, and Avon Rivers, providing for ttbs of mesh and class of net- to be used, and compelling fishermen to leave room for fish to pass on one side of the vet, and to abstain from netting during eight hours, at least, of any dav.

The Garden Committee's report was adopted, and after transacting other business the meeting closed.