THE N.Z. ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETIES' COUNCIL

Evening Star, Issue 11943, 20 July 1903, Page 4

THE N.Z. ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETIES' COUNCIL

WELLINGTON, July 19. _ The Council of New Zealand Acclimatisation Societies met here yesterday. It was decided to write to the Colonial Secretary asking-that acclimatisation societies should be permitted to destroy stoats and weasels where they serve no useful purpose. A long discussion took place in regard to poaching. It was resolved that the Council should approach the Government with a request that police officers be instructed to assist in the suppression of poaching. Certain suggestions for the amendment of the Animals' Protection Act and Fisheries' Conservation Act will also be placed before the Government. The following recommendations of the Council were agreed that there be a uniform shooting season throughout the colony and a uniform shooting license fee, and that societies shall have power to endorse licenses issued by other societies; (2) that the godwit season in Auckland be altered to December, January, and February; (3) that it be made compulsory to take out licenses to shoot native game; (4) that it be necessary for coursing clubs to take out licenses of not less than £5 in districts where hares are not vermin ; (5) that regulations be framed providing for the registration of societies and the definition of boundaries; (6) that any person shall have the privilege to transfer his rignt to shoot on his own land, without a license, to any other person for the whole season; (7) that a uniform fishing license fee be arranged throughout the colony without srevision5 revision as to endorsement as follows-. ne pound for men, 5s for ladies and boys; and that it be optional for a society to issue half-season, single river, or special day licenses; (8) that the keeping of trout in a frozen state for more than seven days after the close of the fishing season be prohibited. Mr Russell (the Invercargill delegate), speaking to the latter recommendation, said that hundredweights, if not tons, of frozen trout were sent away from his trict after being netted.