Action on wildlife administration urged

Press, 22 November 1980, Page 7

Action on wildlife administration urged

The North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society wants quick action from the Government in the restructuring of wildlife administration. The society decided at its annual meeting to ask the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (Mr Maclntyre) and the Minister of Inernal Affairs (Mr Highet) to allow the amalgamation of fresh-water fisheries and wildlife administration. If the amalgamation is not to take place, the society will want to know why. In putting the motion, Dr G. Williams said that it was “common knowledge” that agreement had been reached between the Government departments concerned, but for some

reason things had “gone no further.” When a speaker from the floor expressed the fear that pressure from the society might see the society itself “gobbled up,” Dr Williams said: “Have some courage,' if for no other reason than that next year is an election year.” The motion was passsed unanimously. The following council members were elected at the meeting: Messrs K. P. Fitzgerald (Christchurch City sub-district), P. L. Armitage (Rangiora-Kaiapoi-Eyre), G. T. Newton (Amuri-Cheviot-Wai-para), P. R. Deans (Sel-wyn-Malvern), and A. W. Creedon and J. R. Smith (both Ellesmere-Wairewa).