WITH ROD AND GUN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 307, 25 November 1932, Page 12

WITH ROD AND GUN

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY MEETS REGULATIONS FOR 1933. The monthly meeting of the Manar watu branch of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, was held last night, when Mr E. G. Matthews presided over a good attendance of members. In reply to a query by Mr R. Priest as to the reason for withdrawing the bounty on shags' feet, the chairman explained that a considerable sum had been expended in thinning out the shags by sending men to the rookeries. It had been considered that the bounty could be withdrawn for a time at least with a view to conserving the funds. The secretary reported that Mr Mortenson had discovered a dead female fish on the bank at Tiakitahuna, 21bs. 4oz. in weight, 19i inches long, and 9 inches in girth. It bore a tag and had apparently been stranded. Complaints were made that polluted streams in two different localities were endangering the fish in the Manawatu River. The ranger was instructed to enquire into the position and to furnish a report. Mr \V. H. Hosl-.ings handed in a chart disclosing the temperatures taken between 12 noon and 1 p.m. in the vicinity of Hokowhitu during October and November. The readings are to be forwarded to Professor Percival, of Canterbury College, in the furtherance of research work in connection with fish.

The Wellington Acclimatisation Society reported that at the last meeting of the council a letter had been received from the New Zealand Native Bird Protection Society recommending that godwits be placed on the list of absolutely protected birds. After considerable discussion, it was explained, it had been resolved to leave them off the shooting license for the 1933 season. GAME SHOOTING.

It was further reported that at the council meeting in Wellington the amended recommendations for the game shooting season for 1933 had been submitted as follow : —That godwits be left off the shooting license; that the limit of pheasants to be shot be two per gun per day; that the limit of ducks be 15 per gun per day; that the limit of swan be three per gun per clay; that the season for shooting both duck and swan open on May 1 and that the season for shooting duck be from May 1 to June 30, swan from May 1 to May 15, all imported game from May 1 to July 31. and that there be no limit for quail or hares; that the number of decoys per gun per day be 15. The question of a close season for duck and swan for 1934 is to be discussed at the next annual meeting. In view of the fact that pheasants were released earlier this year, it was also recommended that all imported and native game open on May 1.

On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr C. Page, it was decided to accept the regulations as satisfactory to the society. Some objection was, however, raised to the grouping of decoys, it being the consensus of opinion that the number should be restricted to 25 or 30 in an area of water 100 yards square, irrespective of the number of guns. It was decided to make overtures for the introduction of this restriction.

SANCTUARIES. The chairman reported that it was contemplated to have the lagoon in the neighbourhood of the Tvianawatu Racing Club’s property made a sanctuary for the breeding of ducks. A lake on Mr Simpson’s property at Bulls is also to be sought for the same purpose.