FORMATION OF FEDERATION

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 9 March 1935, Page 7

FORMATION OF FEDERATION

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETIES APPROVE. COMBINED MEETING AT STRATFORD. At a meeting ini Stratford yesterday of representatives of the acclimatisation districts of North Taranaki, Stratford, Hawera, Wanganui and Wnimaritto, the following resolution was carried unanimously after a lengthy discussion:—“That this meeting of delegates ,after having fully discussed the idea of amalgamation, is of the opinion that is is neither necessary nor advantageous, but approves of the formation of a federation of the existing societies represented, enabling each society' to retain its individuality.” The matter had been receiving the attention of the societies and the Department of Internal Affairs for some time, the basis of the scheme; being the absorption of smaller societies into larger groups with a view to more economical and mow efficient working.

Delegates present were Messrs. W. H. Moves and V. Duff (North Taranaki), G. A. Carter and T. Richardson

(Stratford), B. C. Bennett and J. A. Duffill (Hawera), H. J. Duigan and Rl. S. !Withers (Wanganui), and C. E. Henderson and A. W. Ashwell (Waimarino). Mr. Duigan, president of the Wanganui Society, was elected chairman.

Mr. B. C. Bennett said that at one time the Hawera. society had considered two societies in Taranaki sufficient, but on consideration later and from experience, it had been decided that all three were needed. He pointed out that in view of the great fall from the mountain noticed in all Taranaki streams the societies had all to keep busy stocking the trout streams, as such a, large percentage of naturally spawned ova was swept, to sea .during winter floods. He could not- tinderstand the attitude of the Internal Affairs Department in desiring to reduce the number .of societies: such action lie declared, could not but- ■ interfere with the personal interest shown by society members in their respective districts. Furthermore, two meetings of the li-cense-holders of the Hawera district had definitely decided against amalgamation. Mr. Duigan read the reported remarks of Mr. Malcolm Fraser at Palmerston North. Ho pointed out. that Mr. Fraser had emphasised firstly that i the societies had a trust to care fcr-l

native birds, •which,-they had not been carrying out, and secondly that they had not been able to afford to keep paid rangers. Mr Mo-yes' said he could hot see that the amalgamation! would be of any assistance in paying rangers, as the combined revenue, would not exceed .-£IOOO a year.

Mr. Carter was convinced that they would actually be worse off under the amalgamation than at present as far as liberation was concerned. He suggested that a delegation should be appointed to , interview the Minister of Internal Affairs.

Mr. Richardson, on behalf of the Stratford society, expressed approval of the scheme.

. Mr. Dnffill said he thought some soft of amalgamation should be considered. “We should go in for a federation of societies. Without sinking the identity of any society wo could save oui’selves a. lot of money and a lot of overhead,” he said. He instanced the Western Federated Aero Chibs, which he understood to he a satisfactory system.

In approving the idea, Mr. Moves said (there was no reason why the hatchery should not become a federation hatchery. . It was not that the North Taranaki society was out to make a profit on the thing, but when a fully

equipped hatchery was there it might just as well be used to capacity for the beilefi tof the district. There were no difficulties now in the transport of ova and fingerlings for even long distances.