ACCLIMATISETION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 290, 7 September 1928, Page 7

ACCLIMATISETION

REMITS CONSIDERED BY CONFERENCE WHERE DO THE TROUT GO? The conference of Acclimatisation Societies of New Zealand was continued in Wellington yesterday, Mr. L. O. 11. Tripp presiding . A North Canterbury remit, “that Acclimatisation Society rangers should have the right to search parcels in transit in cases under the Fisheries Act, similar to the power given under the Animals Protection and Game Act.” was carried; also one that “In all cases of conviction for the illegal taking of trout, that in addition to the fine imposed for the offence, a further penalty of ss. per fish be inflicted for those taken.” A South Canterbury remit to amend the Act to cover the confiscation of boats used in illegal fishing was carried.

A remit was carried that Seine and set nets other than whitebait or landing nets* be compulsorily registered.— It was also agreed that the question of regulations regarding .vhitebait fishing be a matter for the local Acclimatisation Societies, subject to the approval of the Marine Department. A remit, “That the Marine Department be asked to inquire into the merits of liberating trout in reservoirs as an aid to the purification of the water supply,” was moved by Mr. C. M. Gordon (Auckland), who said a suggestion was made to the Auckland City Council, but was turned down. The reservoirs were rich in natural food, and corporations at Home had found that the liberation of trout in the reservoirs had been instrumental in preventing the water from becoming foul. The remit was seconded by Mr. E J. C. Wiffen and carried. Further Conferences. A motion was proposed to hold further conferences of the New Zealand Acclimatisation Societies in a different centre each year, extending over two days. It was thought better to hold the conference in Wellington, as it enabled any deputation to see the Minister. North Canterbury representatives thought a change of venue would create fresh interest. The remit was defeated. More Birds. ■Colonel Hume raised the question of importing fresh birds into New Zealand in order to give some kind of encouragement to shooters. He suggested that the societies should pool a fund and that the executive of the New Zealand Association should purchase birds and supervise the distribution. The matter was left to the executive to consider. At the conclusion of the conference a deputation went down to wait upon

the Minister of Internal Affairs in reference to opossums. Inspector of Fisheries. Mr. J. D. Hefford, who was present nt (lie conference for a few minutes in Hie morning, said their aim wns Io improve things in New Zealand fishing. or at least prevent them (legonerating. He bad been trying to look “inside” things since he had been in New Zealand. He suggested that I here was something to be gained by a conference of men. particularly those engaged in hatchery or other pr.i<-fieal work. They could learn much by discussing their problems with each oilier. There had perhaps been a tendency in the past to keep special information or knowledge .“under their hats.” instead of exchanging ideas and giving others the benefit of their knowledge. In reference to the deterioration of fish he suggested that the lakes might be netted in August, and the poor fish should be taken out. So long as it. was done for a definite purpose and would improve the fish he saw no objection to its being done. The whitebait question was also being considered by the Government, for there should be some restriction for certain districts. He had not recommended any regulations for the present season. A big season w r as obtained in Westland last year, as the bus service enabled people to reach southern rivers and fish virgin waters. He thought there should be stiff fees and licenses to sell for market. A delegate remarked that the Dominion would lose heavily if the unlimited whitebait fishing was not controlled. ' Ilf • Hefford said the question of regulations would need to be carefully considered. Mr. C. H. Lawrence asked if the inspector could explain why the upner waters of the Waitnki River afforded no fishing. • The fish seemed to go down to the sen when yearlings and did not come hack again. Would the importation of ova from Home help to restore the fish and keep them there, or make them come back from the lower waters? They did not return beyond the bridge, apparently following as far as the smelts. Mr. Hefford thought the importation of fry might help, but lie suggested that the society should consult Mr. Ayson on the subject. Captain J. S. Phillips said a few words on the investigations he was making in Wellington province. A recoinnienu .tion was made to the executive to call a conference of the experts and others engaged in the practical work. The president thanked Mr. Hefford 'for his address, and said he thought they were now beginning to make really scientific investigations into the fishing of New Zealand.