ACCLIMATISATION

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 129, 31 May 1917, Page 4

ACCLIMATISATION

SOCIETY'S ANNUAL MEETING

REVIEW BY THE CHAIRMAN".

There was a- moderate attendance last night at the thirty-second annual meet ing of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. Mr. I. 0. H. Tripp presided and moved the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, the principal fe tures of which have already been pub lished. In doing so he referred to the great loss sustained by the death of Mr R. C. Bruce, vice-president, who took a very keen interest in bird life and was a most useful member of the Society (Applause.) On the whole continued the Chairman, the report wa very satisfactory That result wa largely due to the increase in the num ber of fishing and shooting licenses, and to the good work done by the ranger Mr. Wilson, who had in many case been the means of getting people to take out licenses. The fact that the camps were in the district was also instrn mental in increasing the number of licenses taken out. There was no doubt that the society jieeded another rangei, to reside somewhere in the country dis trict, but at present they had to go slow, as they could not expect such a successful time in the immediate future as they had had last year. He added that this year, the society had ordered 850,000 brown trout ova and 150,000 rainbow ova, and he had no doubt they would be successfully handled at the Masterton hatcheries."it was hoped th t next year many more perch-fishing license would be taken out. It was interesting to note that some quinnat salmon had been taken in list, at the mouth of tl c Hutt River. S members were won dering whether they would do harm to the trout. When in Canada in 1909 he was assured by experts that they would do no harm to trout. He hoped that was so, because the quinnat salmon wa now firmly established, and he heaid that it provided splendid sport. Whe ther the quimiat would take to the Hutt or not he could nob say. As to game he said he had been asked to refer to the question of the shooting of duel s and swans. It was not generally know that the limit -was 25 per day. That limit had, ho believed, in some cases been considerably exceeded. It had been de cided to make a start with the breeding and rearing of pheasants at Masterton At Trentham, Colonel C. J. Eeakes had taken an interest in the same subject, and as a result had given them, about twenty birds. In regard to oppossums, he expressed pleasure at the fact that they were now protected. At present, however, there was no power to regulate their killing, when killing was allowed. It was urged that 'there should be a license fee, and the manner of. .killing prescribed. It was understood that a Bill had been drafted for the purpose. Speaking of deer-shooting, he said that the herd at Wainui badly needed culling.' He deprecated the sugggtion that the society should be divided up into smaller areas. His idea was that the societies should be much larger and subsidised by the Government. Of course that could not be done during war time, but it was evident that if they concentrated their efforts they would lave a far bigger claim on the Government for assistance than at present. That was a matter for future consideration.

The Chairman also referred to tho fact that the hon. secretary (Mr. A. F.Lowe) was about to resign, after 21 years' service. Only those-who had been associated with the society for ma-ny years knew to the full the value of his work. It was also to be regretted that Mr. C. G. Allan was not going to again be a candidate for a seat on the council.

In seconding the motion, Mr A. F. Lowo also paid a tribute to tho memory of the late Mr Bruce, who had a great regard for the high ideals of the Acclimatisation Societies —the protection of flora and fauna, and the acclimatisation of beautiful plants and birds. Mr. Whitehead (Palmerston North) complained of the practice of cross-net-ting, which was being carried on in some rivers up country. It would be useless to attempt to acclimatise quinnat salmon if that practice was continued.

: Mr l?., Dyer asked if it was a fact that licenses were issued for cross-netting.

. Mr Whitehead said the boats had to be licensed, not the fishermen. They could only fish in tidal waters. „ Mr. Lowe expressed his deep regret at having to sever his connection with the society, but he found it impossible to carry on his duties, though he would be always glad to render any assistance in his power. (Applause.) The report and balance-sheet were adopted.. The election of officers resulted as follows;:. —Patron. His Excellency the Governor; vice-presidents. Messrs. A. F. Lowe, W H. Beetham, A J. Rutherford, L. G. Reid, and E. Riddiford ; council, Messrs. L. 0. M. Tripp, W G. Talbot, W H. Field, A. Seed, J Brasell, and J. S. Fleming. Auditor Mr. W. S. Wheeler, F.I.A.N.Z.

Mr. J. Brasell was elected a life menv ber ■'■

In the course of a general discussion it was suggested that the stubble quail was a bird that should be introduced. The Chairman said he understood that tho Government was now satisfied that the bird would do no harm. Further steps in the matter were being taken. Mr. Whitehead complained of the practice of license-holders going out shooting with npn-h'cense-holders. It should be made an offence. The meeting generally endorsed the remark.

It was decided, on the motion of Mr. C. Or. Allan, that the council be recommended to make the Akatarawa stream a fly-stream only.