ACCLIMATISATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 April 1939, Page 5

ACCLIMATISATION

GREY DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Connci of the Grey District Acclimaiisadm Society was held last, evening, then being' present. Mr. IT. E Knight (Pre sident), Dr. W. McKay, Messrs. A A. Gibson, H. Roberts, W. Beale, P Beck, W. Richmond, N. B. McCallum and .T. Whitehead. Apologies for absence -were received from Messrs:. J Hayton, A. Glen and R. Marley. Mr. R. T. Dale forwarded his resignation as a member of the Council, owing to his having accepted a. position in the North island. The resignation was accepted with regret, and it was decided to forward a letter to Mr. Dale, thanking him for his services and wishing him success in the future.

The Department of Internal Affairs advised that the game season would commence on May 6 this year, and forwarded copies of the Gazette regulations. The Department also gave official notification that green turtle and leathery turtle are now absolutely protected.

A quotation was received from the Government hatcheries, Rotorua, for rainbow trout eyed ova at 5/- per 1(h), F.0.R., Rotorua.

The Department of Internal Affairs wrote regarding (he opening of theopossum season, and requested recommendations. The letter stated that, as a. result of enquiries made in London, it had been ascertained that there had been a considerable reduction in stocks of New Zealand opossum skins in London, but that there was still very little demand for the poorer grades, and medium and small sizes had also been rather neglected. The opinion had been expressed that, on the whole, it would be- advisable to have an open trapping season again, as if there was continued restriction, there was a decided danger that the article would fall out of use. At. the same time, it would be a pity if large quantities of skins were brought on to the market, as this would tend to lower prices. It was decided, on the motion of Dr. McKay and Mr. Whitehead, that an open half season (to be equivalent to the latter end of previous seasons) be recommended, and that, there be a half license fee. The secretary was instructed to advise the Westland Society of the recommendation miade. The Marine Department, requested that specimens of fresh water fish be procured for the Centennial Exhib.i-

tion. It was decided that this matter be deferred, to enable the members and the Ranger (Mr. R. Roigard) to make enquiries as to what specimens could be pro,cured. It was decided to advise the Ar-

tliur’s Pass National Park Board that, owing, to the state of the finances, the Society regretted that it could not make a donation to the Board’s funds this year. It was decided that the matter of the closing in of the fish traps be left to the discretion of the. Ranger and the Hatchery Committee. A discussion took place on the pollution of the Grey River, and the peculiar green colour of the water noticed in recent months, and it was decided that samples of water be taken from

the river and submitted to the Health and Marine Departments for examination. The Ranger was also instructed to examine the upper waters of the river, to enable comparisons to be made. It was decided to forward letters of

thanks to Mr. J. O’Brien, M.P., and Hon. W. Parry, for their efforts on behalf of the Society. It was decided that the annual meeting of the Society be held on Wednesday, May 31.