Mixed acclimatisation soc. reaction to Minister’s tour

Press, 19 April 1985, Page 15

Mixed acclimatisation soc. reaction to Minister’s tour

The recent visit to Christchurch by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Tapsell, to discuss replacing acclimatisation societies with regional government bodies received mixed reactions from members of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. The Minister was uninformed and totally unprepared, said Mr K. Fitzgerald, at a meeting of the society. “He didn't even known what was going on in the South Island,” said Mr Fitzgerald. The president, Mr W. McKillop, said Mr Tapsell obviously knew a lot about the North Island societies. People at the meeting told him about local matters and he left with a better knowledge of the South Island authorities. “He took it in good faith,” Mr McKillop said. “He did not seem very well briefed but I think he left the meeting far wiser.” Mr R. Knowles, referring to Mr Tapsell’s remarks on the election of society members and how only about 1 per cent of sportsmen were active in society matters, said that members could not be taken to task for the apathy of others. “How do you get 90 per cent participation?” he said.

“It is life’s great dream.” Mr Knowles was supported by Professor W. Clark, who said the society’s greatest critics did not attend regular meetings. Mr N. Bradley said he was impressed with the Minister’s presentation. Goose drive A Canada goose drive at Lake Grasmere on April 4 reduced the flock of about 700 by 571. About 20 shooters took part. A helicopter and fixedwing plane moved the birds off the lake. The shoot, organisd by the Wildlife Service, aimed to alleviate local farmers’ pas-ture-crop damage caused by the high concentration of geese. Loch Katrine The society has sent a submission to the Lands and Survey Department on the Loch Katrine Reserve management plan, supporting moves to protect the area. It suggested that dogs be excluded, vehicle access be limited to reasonable shingle roads, and stock grazing be limited to sheep. Water Right The North Canterbury Catchment Board has

received a submission on the Crown water right for the renewal of the Wilberforcce and Harper river diversions.

The society hopes to preserve Lake Coleridge water quality and maintain the lake fishery at a high level. “With Lake Coleridge the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society’s best highcountry fishing lake, every effort is being made to protect its recreational value while not impeding the hydro-generation plans of the Government,” the society’s fish management committee reported. A meeting with the Catchment Board and others interested will be held to discuss the renewal of the rights. Salmon access A bulldozer has been used to dig out parts of the Hurunui riverbed to allow salmon access up the Sisters Stream to the Hurunui salmon farm, as the water level is so low it is impeding the salmon’s progress. The farm has been taken over by New Zealand Marine Farms and is in use again, with returning salmon adults being trapped, stripped, and the ova raised for ocean release lake this year or in mid 1986.

Eels The society has approved the application of Waihora Industries, Ltd, to raise eels in a shingle pit lake, north of the Kaiapoi Borough Council’s dump lake.