ACCLIMATISATION AFFAIRS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 30 August 1928, Page 4

ACCLIMATISATION AFFAIRS.

COMBINED MEETING OF DELEGATES.

AMALGAMATION AFFIRMED

The question of amalgamation of the three- acclimatisation societies of Taranaki has been before each executive for a considerable time, and- much discussion has takeji place, with inquiry into the matter of a scheme to fink up the interests on a common basis. Up till last night no great pro-gr-ess had bs6n ma<l€, but at a meetin'g convened by Mr. W. A. Spragg, of Hawera, and held in Stratford, a distinct step forward- was -made by the strong .affirmation of the principle ot amalgamation. In addition, the outcome of a very friendly discussion created a spirit- of unanimity and reciprocity which made the- outlook very hopeful. > The delegates met at Stratford, Mr. F. S. Johns, of New Plymouth, being voted to the chair. Hawera. was represented by Messrs. W. A. Spragg, RA. Graham, B. C. Gibson, and C. Davies (Otakeho). An apology was received- from Mr. T. J. Salmon. In a brief speech of welcome Mr. Johns said he hoped all would consider the question from- the broadest possible point of view and -attempt to find a- ba-sis of agreement satisfactory to all. It was unanimously agreed to concentrate first on the question of amalgamation, and the broad principle was first agreed upon of. an assessment of the assets and funds of each society. The discussion centred first on the cost of running a combined hatchery. and it was agreed that the funds of the three societies would, if pooled, be -sufficient to run a central hatching -station. The cost of the two proposed sites was known, and therefore the amount needed to purchase when required. With the figures placed before the meeting and -with the assistance of the Government there was no doubt, said Mr. Spragg to a “Hawera Star” representative when outlining the business done, that the hatchery could be run satisfactorily. The meeting unanimously resolved to approve the scheme in broad outline, and that eventually a provincial council would be formed. Each society will retain its present boundaries, with a district council, from which will he elected the delegates to the larger body. Mr. F. S. Johns was elected as provisional chairman to convene meetings as required. Mr. Spragg added that the meeting was very satisfactory and most enthusiastic. with a unanimous tone that bade well for the future. It was, he considered, a big forward move, and one most gratifying fact stood out, that all agreed to dismiss the question of site until the amalgamation was complete. He said he estimated the big hatchery would handle two million ova, prabably double the present output- of the three societies. The futiire /of the scheme would be watched with I very keen, interest.