ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Evening Star, Issue 10401, 24 August 1897, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

The monthly meeting of the AcclimatisaSociety was held this afternoon, and attended by Messrs Begg (chairman), Stronach, Chisholm, Neill, Thomson, Forrest, Goldsmith, Campbell, and Edgar. THE MANAGER’S REPORT, Manager Dean reported that the ova season was now over. The number of brown trout ova obtained was about 225,000. Of that number, 61,000 were secured by means of a trap in the Waiwera. Ranger M'Cormack had been fairly successful in some of the streams, and he received valuable assistance from Ranger Peterson, but, unfortunately, on account of the dry season some of the best streams have been too low for collecting ova. Some of the varieties of stock fish ova were nearly all hatched, and 2,000 of the Scotch burn trout ova had been sent to Mr Johnson, Troutdale Farm, arriving there in good order. A number of mixed trout, from yearlings up to Alb, were handed over to the Stirling Anglers’ Association, and after being conveyed to suitable quarters by Mr Farquhar were liberated. A pair of English mallards and three widgeons had been placed in one of the enclosed ponds in the Botanical Gardens. Three hens and one cock pheasant had been placed in an aviary in charge of Mr Johnston, Berwick. The report was adopted. GENERAL. The Chairman stated that the Committee had arranged to do some planting at the pound at Clinton. The planting proposed was a belt of trees about a chain wide, over 1,724 trees having been purchased for the purpose. The chairman also thought that Mr Dean should plant the river side with willow cuttings, which, besides being ornamental, provided food for the fish.—Mr Chisholm thought that the society should obtain some English birch in addition to the trees already bought.—The Chairman stated that they would have to obtain the birch from Canterbury, as it was not obtainable here.—The secretary was instructed to buy 100 birch trees. Mr J. Scott wrote stating that steps were being taken with the object of starling a Bruce acclimatisation society. The farmers were all very enthusiastic in the matter, their object being to get more sport far the gun. The Chairman stated that the society had purchased a number of hares at the Forbury and sent them to the people at Milton, they, of course, undertaking to provide a portion of the money, if not all of it. Mr Gill had since written acknowledging the receipt of twenty-five hares. He (Mr Begg) thought that so long as the settlers collaborated with them the society need not care whether they formed a society or not. —Mr Forrest : Why not suggest that they should pay 10s and become members of this society?— The Chairman said that that would be better. The society at Milton would, however, induce settlers to take an interest in protecting game. On the motion of Mr Chisholm it was agreed that the society import some more game birds. [Lett sitting.]