Acclimatisation Societies.

Hastings Standard, Issue 438, 29 September 1897, Page 2

Acclimatisation Societies.

THE CONFERENCE.

(By Telegraph.)

(Per Press Association.)

Wellington, This day. The Acclimatisation Societies Conference was resumed this morning. Mr A. J. Rutherford (Wellington) was elected chairmanOn the motion of Mr Sherry (Ashburton) it was decided that the opening and closing of the fishing seasons be fixed by statute but that power be given to any society to close or restrict fishing in any particular river within their particular district and within the statutory date. It was also decided that the opening date should be the Ist of October and the closing uate 80th of April. A long discussion took place as to the cost of licenses, and eventually it was resolved, that the fee be fixed at £l, the license to be available throughout the colony, each society to make its own regulations as to licenses, charging such fees and fixing such terms as may be determined. A sub-committee was appointed to go through the fishing regulations and bring up a draft report. The question of pollution of streams was referred to a sub-committee to consider. The general opinion of the delegates was that something should be done to prevent the poisoning of streams by the release of refuse of various kinds. A letter was received from the Under-Secretary stating that the fines imposed for breaches of the Fisheries Act could not be handed over to the Acclimatisation societies. A committee was set up to consider the question and approach the Government on the matter. The question of riparian rights was also referred to a committee. Mr Brown gave notice to move concerning the advisableness of approaching the Government in the matter of establishing a marine hatchery on a small estuary 10 miles from Dunedin, for the purpose of attempting to stock our seas with fresh feed fishes found on the coasts of Europe. He said that the Otago Acclimatisation Society was willing to give £250, and the Otago Institute another £250 towards the project, and they desired the Government to subsidise the undertaking with a similar amount. Several other matters were passed on to sub-committees. A motion was carried affirming the desirableness of restricting the age of boys allowed to carry fire-arms to 16 years, excepting for the purpose of drill. It was also decided that a gun license he imposed on any district from which a petition is sent to-the Colonial Secretary by settlers, due time being allowed for counter petitions to be forwarded. The Conference adjourned to 9.80 to-morrow,