SPORT OF ANGLING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 308, 27 November 1936, Page 10

SPORT OF ANGLING

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. PROPOSED POND AT AWAPUNI. A decision to follow the suggestion of the Wellington council to relinquish the idea of having a fish pond at Awapuni to raise trout fry, and allow stock to be raised to the fingerling stage at Masterton, was arrived at last night by the Palmerston North branch of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. There w*ere present at the meeting Messrs R. W. Priest (chairman), H. Lane, AV. Rowlands, H. W. Scott, F. Halev, C. Lane, E. G. Matthews, E. E. AVard, AV. H. Hosking, F. AVithers, AV. Procter, A. H. Marshall, AV. K. Procter (secretary) and T. Andrews (ranger). The Masterton branch forwarded a motion, passed at a special meeting of license holders in Masterton recently, regarding the closing down of the hatcheries: —“That the meeting is of the opinion that the employment of a part-time curator at the hatchery is not in the best interests of fishermen, and that the council of the AVellington Acclimatisation Society call a meeting of license holders to discuss the question at a special meeting to he held in Masterton or Palmerston North.” The chairman reported that he had replied to the Wairarapa sub-commit-tee that he was in accordance with tne decision arrived at by the council and he did not consider the sub-committee was in full possession of the full facts of the council’s finding in the matter. It was agreed that Masterton’s protest was premature and no action was called tor at the present time with the Wellington scheme still m tbe air. Tilts chairman saui Uie matter was iiuuer tne consideration ot the council, it try only were to be raised, it was scarcely worth while to have a full-time curator, and lie thouglit six months' supervision would sumce. Until the council formulated a definite scheme it would serve no good purpose to call a special meeting in the meantime. It they were going to raise fry to fingerling and yearling stages, it would possibly be necessary to have a lull-time man. The present costs were too great from the number of fish liberated. ’ The fisli committee of the ellington Acclimatisation Society advised tho Manawatu branch of its finding on the proposal to build a pond at Awapuni. It had resolved that, in view of better organisation of transport facilities, together with the uncertainty of the future affairs of the society, it was unwise to embark upon a policy of building holding ponds away from Masterton at present. It was considered, however, that the wishes of the Palmerston North sub-committee might best bo complied with by rearing fingerlings in sufficient numbers to meet their requirements. It was considered that if an adequate supply of fish could be assured, and that arrangements could he made for suitable transport, it would be a wise move to fall in line with the idea suggested. Air Matthews asked if there was any guarantee that the full requirement of fish needed in the district would be forthcoming. The chairman said he had been given to understand that a separate pond would be kept tor the Manawatu branch. Mr Andrews stated that since the yearling liberations had been discontinued, about seven years ago, the fishing had undoubtedly gone back. The highest percentage ot mortality was between the fry and fingerling stages. Jt was felt that the care given the young fish at the hatchery was much more dependable than voluntary feeding which would. be necessary if the Manawatu had its own ponds. It was not thought that the suggestion would mean Keeping one separate pond for Manawatu. lhe ponds would all be cured for and each district would receive, its share ot the fish.

The chairman said he had been given to understand that several new fish ponds were to be built at Masterton. Provided the council will give the assurance that Mawiwatu will be provided with its quota of fingerlings, the committee members were in agreement that the suggestion of the council along these lines be carried out. The sub-committee was of the opinion that the daily limit of ducks shot be left lit the present limit, it being suggested from the gun committee of the council that the number he raised next season from 10 to lo per diem, and it was decided to oppose the resolution.