ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 15020, 31 October 1912, Page 8

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

The ordinary meeting of the Otago Acclimatisation Society* was attended last night by Messrs G. W. M'lntdsh (chairman), A. Cowie, J. Edgar, C. Baker, W. S. Paterson, R. Brinslev, R. Rutherford, H. Islip, D. Cooke, S. Peden, A. M'Carthy, G. B. Ogilvie, J. R. Wilson, and S. L.iwson. —Reports.—

Mr F. Deans (manager of the Opoho hatcheries) reported that the following numbers of yearlings had been liberated in tho vicinity of Dniiedin to date:— Rainbow trout: 1,000 in the Leith Valley reservoir, 1,000 in the Tomahawk lagoon, 500 in the Woodhaugh reservoir, and 500 in the southern reservoir. About 150 two-year-old rainbow trout were transferred from tho Clinton hatchery to the Tomahawk lagoon, but these did not carry well, and on arrival at the lagoon a number of them were found to be dead. There had also been over 1,000 brown trout yearlings put into the Water of Leith. All the yearlings had carried well, only one or two being dead out of the number. Tho water in the Tomahawk lagoon had apparently improved very much since last year. The ova at the Opoho hatchery were now all hatched, but it would be some weeks before tho rainbow fry would be ready to send to Lake Hawea. There was also some rainbow ova to bo brought down from the Clinton hatchery. Game: The birds at the Opoho hatchery were—Golden pheasants 9, English pheasants 4, mandarin drakes 2, 1 summer drake, 1 cross mallard.—Received.

Mr J. Steven (manager of the Clinton hatcheries) reported that, although a start was made with the distribution of some yearling fish on the Ist of tho month, he regretted that the progress of this work had not been altogether satisfactory. Owing largely to the long delay in having the cans returned from Temuka, only a matter of 10,000 had been distributed up to October 17, and a trial lot of 150 two-year-old rainbow trout wore sent forward to Duncdin, with, he was afraid, not the best results. Ho hoped the society would not persist in the proposal of sending a number of these fish to Lake Luella, Waipori, as not more than 50 could be taken in one trip with anything like safety. In regard to game, there were no alterations in the numbers as given in his last report. There were several hens sitting on duck eggs. He had also over 100 eggs in the incubator, but would remind ,tho society that there was no brooder there, although he understood one or two of a new design were to have been sent to him some time ago.—Tho Chairman stated that the fish for Temuka had gone forward since the report had come to hand.— The report was received.

The Angling Committee's report was adopted. The following are its main clauses:—With reference to Mr Steven's report as to the excess of fish at Clinton, it was resolved that the report bo referred to Mr Deans to report by Wednesday next. It was resolved that Mr Deans be instructed to communicate with the chairman of the Angling Committee and send such number of fry to Lauder as may be available. In regard to the Pollution of Water Bill a letter was read from the society's solicitor and approved. It was resolved that the president and Mr Cooke draft a resolution to be sent to the Minister of Marine protesting against the passing of the Bill, as it was considered it would be extremely detrimental to the best interests of the society and to fish culture. A letter from the Southland Society declining to pay 3s for shags' heads had been read and noted. The application for yearlings for Three O'clock and Christmas Creeks was referred to Mr Deans for report. It was resolved that the season for netting ho the same as last year, and that the Minister be written to accordingly. It was decided that the distribution of fish be undertaken at once. Ranger Beck's reports had been read and noted.

The report of the Deer and Game Committee was adopted. It stated:— "A mooting of the Game Committee. Mas held on the 16th inst. to consider Mr Begg's report in re complaints made by settlers of damage done by fallow deer at Rongahere. Since receiving Mr Begg's report a letter had been written to the Minister of Internal Affairs by the president (Mr M'lntosh) stating that the society had no objection to the settlers and 'members of their families who were troubled by the deer being granted permission to shoot on their own holdings all the year round; also, the committee hoped before long to lay a scheme, before the council that might get over the difficulty. The committee recommended the appointment of Mr Samuel Johns to look after the society's interests at Hawea on the following conditions—viz.: A bonus of £25 per annum ; 12s 6d per day and ammunition found when employed by the society. It was recommended by the committee that four licenses be issued this season to shoot red deer in the Otama district; number of heads to be limited to three, and that the stalkers be asked to report to the, society on the number of deer and the condition of the herd generally. Mr Taylor, of Ashley Downs, had very kindly consented to protect any waterfowl placed on his lagoon, and this was looked upon by the Game Committee as a particularly suitable place for liberating waterfowl. In regard to opossums it was recommended that nothing further be done in the matter until some measure of protection be granted by the Government. This was in reply to several letters received asking the society for opossums to liberate in various districts." —General.—

A previous resolution, affirming that if the societies would give 3s per head for shags the Otago Society would also do so, was rescinded.

Mr S. Cousins was elected to the vacancy on the society.

The financial statement showed that the society had a credit balance of £Bl5 14s 4d.