ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 14101, 29 April 1919, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

ras— ANNUAL REPORT 1918—1919. FISHING. The past season has been a most disappointing one for anglers. During the early part of the season the river and streams were in constant flood, and during the latter part of the season for some unexplained reason the flsh would not rise. The general opinion is that the flsh are not in the streams, while others maintain that there are a largo number of fish in the river but they will not take the artificial baits offered. The best bag reported was one obtained by the late Mr A. C. Torstonson who landed six good fish, one of six pounds, two ixve, two of four, one of three, and one of two and a half lbs. These were obtained in the upper reaches of the Pohangina river.

The following fish were liberated during the season: 160 2-year-old were token from the Square lakelet and put into the river. 12 cans of brown fry were liberated as follows: 2 cans at the bridge, 3 cans at Dane’s ford, 2 cans at Scandia Street, 2 at Tiritca, and 3 at Kahutarawa. 10,000 rainbow fry were liberated in the Rangitikci river, except one can which were placed in' the pond in the Square. The following were taken from the holding pond and liberated as follows: 10 cans yearlings at Scandia Street, 2 cans at bridge, and 3 cans at the Esplanade. Owing to a block in the drain pipes at the holding ponds no fry w'ere held this year. The drainage from the pond is now in good order, should the committee decide to keep any fry next year. The fishing licenses taken out for the season were 104 adult, 37 boys, 10 ladies, and 9 half-year licenses. GAME LICENSES. There were 60 game licenses issued for the season. The sport was disappointing as a whole, though several li-cense-holders report having obtained a fair number of pheasants during the season. Hares wore not as plentiful as in previous years. The prospects for the coming season are bettor than last year. Ducks arc plentiful, pheasants and hares are better than usual, and quail are reported t(. be plentiful in the Foxton di .trict. DEER STALKING. Red deer stalking was not by any moans good, only three good heads being reported for the 15 licenses issued. Sambur deer stalking was more successful. 8 heads being, taken.besides several hinds for 10 licenses issued. Owing to mishap in mustering at Paruparamil we did not receive our red deer this season, but will receive them next year as yearlings, should nothing unforsecn happen. Two young stags were liberated at Tiritea this season and are reported to be doing well. Ranger G. Weir has done good work throughout the district, and several convictions wore obtained through his watchfulness, and there is no doubt that the district is fortunate in having so capable a ranger to watch the interests of the license holders. The total revenue received for the year w T as £223 //6 as* against £260 for the previous year, showing a falling off of £36 12/6.