LAKE STABILISATION PLAN SUPPORTED

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30762, 28 May 1965, Page 16

LAKE STABILISATION PLAN SUPPORTED

Unanimous support was given at a meeting of the Springs-Ellesmere Sportsmen’s Association recently to a request made to the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott) that efforts should be made to provide a more satisfactory method of maintaining an outlet for Lake Ellesmere which would avoid the frequent flooding of many thousands of acres of farming land.

A discussion on the subject was initiated when Mr E. L. F. Donald, a farmer on the lake shores, was asked for information about the deputation to the minister. He said that Mr Scott had visited the site of the outlet at Taumutu where speakers representing the Lake Settlers’ Association and the Commercial Fishermen's Association had stressed the urgent need for an improved system. Representatives of the North Canterbury Catchment Board and the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society had also been present. Minister Impressed

The Minister had been particularly impressed by the case for the lake settlers and had given the assurance that a thorough investigation would be made with a view to the adoption of a system which would, as far as possible. achieve stabilisation of the lake level. Several members expressed surprise at the concern voiced at a meeting of the acclimatisation society council about the improved outlet proposal, and in particular regarding a statement that the lake would become a mere channel. It was pointed out that, although an outlet had been cut since the Minister’s visit and the lake was now at almost its lowest possible level, its area was still cortsiderably more than sixty thousand acres.

It was decided to acquaint the acclimatisation society with the association's views and in particular to stress that members were firmly of opinion that a stabilised lake level would be of great benefit to anglers and shooters. The meeting favoured a

proposal to prohibit both salmon and trout fishing in the spawning areas of all rivers after the end of January. A reduction in the bag limit of salmon to three was also supported, as was a suggestion that the limit for spoonbill duck should be increased to 10. Mr C. C. Skinner, a member of the acclimatisation society council, said that his efforts to secure further liberation of partridges in the Ellesmere district had not been successful, but he hoped that more birds would be available next season. The practice now was to release the birds in larger numbers and this, he thought, would give them a better chance to become established. Number Of Swans

Another opinion which was unanimously supported was that the number of swans on Lake Ellesmere should be substantially reduced by collecting eggs next breeding season. The swan, which was not now a popular game bird, was competing for the available food supplies to the disadvantage of ducks and geese. Members commented on the large number of young swans on the lake, many of which had perished during recent storms.