ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 88, 23 April 1901, Page 4

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

The following letter was read at the meeting of the Acclimatisation Society on Saturday afternoon The Council of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society has under consideration the carrying on of the game farm in this district, upon a system of co-oporation among the societies of the North Island and other societies that may desire to join. For the purpose of making enquiry and collecting information, a sub-committee has been set up. The Society has under its control a bush reserve of 500 acres, situated qbout 33 miles from Wellington, of which 70 acres have been felled, grassed, and fenced ; but it is felt that the up-keep of the farm is too much for one society to undertake. There appears to be no reason, however, why several societies should not contribute to the annual cost of the farm, and share the birds reared, pro rata, according to contributions made. Our Society would propose to start with pheasant rearing, adding other species of game bird, as opportunity offered. The services of a competent and tried man can be obtained for, say, a salary of £125 or £l5O per annum. Beyond this and the erection of a small cottage for the man and his wife, and the purchase of a few stock birds, no outlay would be required to start operations. There are pens already on the ground sufficient for tire first year’s work, and a small oneroomed cottage has been erected there. As most of the work of building would be done by the man himself, it is not anticipated that any large expenditure would be required under this head, say not more than £SO. Astone cottage would possibly be put up.

In the matter of trout distribution by our Society, the system of contribution has worked well in connection with the Masterton Fish Ponds, and there seems to be no reason why the rearing of game birds should not also be successful. The sub-committee would therefore be glad if you would place this circular before members of your Council, in order to ascertain—(l) Whether your Society would be willing to join in the scheme proposed; for carrying on the game farm. (2) If so, what amount of annual contribution may be reckoned on from your district. L. G. Reid, Convener of Sub-Committee. The letter was referred to the Council to deal with,