RECLAMATION AT ELLESMERE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28422, 31 October 1957, Page 13

RECLAMATION AT ELLESMERE

Questionnaire To Sportsmen

The North Canterbury Game Shooters' Club and the Canterbury Anglers’ Club are concerned at the proposal to build a stopbank from the Greenpark huts to the number two stream of the Selwyn river as part of a scheme to reclaim several thousand acres of Lake Ellesmere.

The clubs believe that the proposal is the start of what may in time deprive sportsmen of their “fishing and shooting heritage.’’

In an attempt to fight the proposal, the clubs have asked their members to answer a questionnaire giving their names and addresses and the amount of time and money they spend each year fishing and shooting at the lake. Area Still Available The questionnaire says that the proposed reclamation covers one of the few areas still available to the shooters. It also says that interference with the lake must reduce the feeding grounds for the fish of all rivers in the Ellesmere system. “We are informed that the best way of fighting this proposal is to produce facts and figures showing to what extent the fishing and shooting fraternity depends on the area for its sport.” the questionnaire says.

The cost for a season’s shooting or fishing, outboard motors, boats, car running costs, fuel for lighting and heating huts and camps and other expenses involved in the sport will be calculated. The secretary of the Canterbury Anglers’ Club (Mr D. M- Brown) said that Lake Ellesmere was the only “playground” close to Christchurch. “The clubs think that they are being given a rough deal.” he said. The clubs together have about 1100 members.