WESTLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1926, Page 1

WESTLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

MONTHLY MEETING. THURSDAY, AUG. 26th. The Council of the above Society met at 7.30 o’clock last evening at the County Chambers. Present: Dr Teichelman (Vice-President), Messrs A. Armstrong, C. R. Gaylor, J. Foote, R. Paterson, H. Wells and D. J. Evans (lion, secretary). Apology was was for the absence of the President (Mr Blank), who it was reported, was now recovering. * The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward correspondence was approved. INWARD 1 CORRESPONDENCE. From N.Z. Acclimatisation Societies’ Association, notifying a general conference at Wellington on September Ist., forwarding particulars of about seventy remits, and asking for names of delegate.—Received. Several of tlie remits wore discussed, and in that connection suggestions regarding tho deer question were received from Mr J. Forbes, Christchurch, in regard to culling etc. It was resolved the Society ho represented at the Conference, the Secretary to arrange regarding a delegate. The Minister of Internal Affairs circularised the Society with regard to deer culling and the appropriation of opossum revenue to assist in. the work.—Received. It was resolved to oppose the suggestion at the Conference. A report was received of the late prosecutions in regard to illegal poaching in this district, and a copy forwarded to the Department of Internal Affairs. Various .applications for deer stalking licenses in the district last season was receired from the Treasury, and appropriated for deer culling in regal’d to which a contract has been arranged in the South Westland territory.

Tlie Department of Internal Affairs notified the appointment of James Foote, of Hokitika, as a ranger under the Fisheries Act and the Animals Protection Game Act, for the district of Westland.—Received. Mr Foote reported sawdust was still being deposited in the Hokitika river. It was resolved he visit the various mills and point out the necessity for an immediate alteration. The ranger also reported that young trout and quinnat salmon were to be seen in the river already this season, and it- was important the sawaust menace should cease. The Department of Internal Affairs wrote with respect to a complaint from the N.Z. Native Bird Protection Society, Wellingon, but the name of the offender could not be recalled; also asking if the Society would recommend Eric James, of Okuru, as a ranger for that district. It was resolved to recommend the appointment accordingly. Tlie Department also forwarded a circular asking for particulars of all prosecutions under the Animals’ Protection and Game Act. and staled fines and the proceeds of sales of any seizures would be credited to the. Society. loss the expenses incurred. The Minister of Marine, replying to a telegram from the President of the Society replied that instructions had been given that the deposit of sawdust in the Hokitika river is to cease. The Westland County Council notified no liability could be accepted in respect to any fencing involved in the road to be constructed along Mahinapua Creek. A - circular was received from the North Canterbury Society regarding research work respecting feed for trout, the opinion being expressed that fishing as a whole was deteriorating. As the cost involved was considerable it was resolved to await the discussion at the Conference. The Secretary outlined a small scheme for advertising the district, in tho Christchurch papers and theatres for the summer traffic from Canterbury, and £25 was voted by the Society for the purpose, subject to the local business people subscribing a- like amount. The scheme will be by way of an experiment, for the present year, and followed up os circumstances warrant. The meeting adjourned at 8.45 o’clock.