Acclimatisation in The Manawatu Area

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7066, 27 January 1933, Page 8

Acclimatisation in The Manawatu Area

Mr. E. G. Matthew's presided over a meeting of the Palmerston North branch of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, held last evening, there being an attendance of approximately fifteen members. Several apologies for unavoidable absence were received. The chairman stated that he had addressed the meeting at Wellington in regard to the federation of angling clubs, and after explanation, the meeting had been made quite clear on all points. It had only needed a little explanation to overcome any difficulties, and all was now satisfactory, he said.

In regard to decoys for duck shooting, the chairman said that sportsmen had felt that it made no difference under the new conditions, which allowed for 15 decoys per gun instead of 25. in an area 100 yards square. ; The game committee of the parent body advised that 600 pheasants had been allocated. This number included 50 for Pahiatua, 50 for Levin, 90 for Palmerston North, 15 for Shannon, 20 for Tokomaru, 10 for To Horo and 15 for Makerua. A sub-committee consisting of Messrs. Hosking, Ward, Scott and Matthews was appointed to deal with tho distribution of the birds. Professor Percival (Christchurch) forwarded copies of direction in connection with fish research work for distribution among members interested, these being received. In Tegard to a close season for game, both New Zealand and imported, the matter was considered at length, and it was resolved that, in view of the fact that the disadvantages of a close season would outweigh the advantages which would result, tho 1931 season should be an open one. It was announced that the Government had decided to rescind the subsidy allotted to societies for the ranging work in connection with opossums, but that the net proceeds from fines and the sales of confiscated skins would be allowed.

The chairman pointed out that the various rangers had accomplished splendid work and this action was unwaranted. “It is an expensive matter to keep a ranger on’ the road, and what the Government, proposes to give us would not keep him in benzine,” he said. • t •.

After fully discussing the matter it was decided to forward a strong protest condemning the action of the pntummant. fa. fiflnfisnating thfl money

that rightly belonged to the acclimatisation societies.

Declaring that a fisherman had been reported to have caught 55 fish in the Kahuterawa stream with the minnow before taking his limit of 15 (over 10 inches in length), Mr. R. Proctor moved that the Tiritea and Kahuterawa streams be closed to other than fly fishing. Opposition was voiced to further restriction, but the chairman pointed out that the streams wore nurseries, and eventually it was decided to impose the restriction. It was 'decided to conduct an eel drive in the Manawatu river, from Hiuniltoii'a bend, cm iY.eia.eMax BSxfc