Amalgamation to Economise

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7192, 26 June 1933, Page 7

Amalgamation to Economise

ACCLIMATISATION BODIES MAY FALL INTO LINE. Reforms in the control of acclimisalion generally which may have far reaching effects were suggested at a meeting of the Manawatu sub-commit-tee of tho 'Wellington Acclimatisation Society on Saturday evening. Several members of the society council were present from Wellington and it was from them that tho suggestion emanated that sportsmen should consider a policy of amalgamation of acclimatisation areas generally, particularly within the domain of tho Wellington Society.

The question was raised during a discussion on the proposed granting of district fishing licenses. Mr. W. J. Haase, ono of tho council members, said it had been alleged that tho granting of district licenses was merely a lever to compel amalgamation of acclimatisation districts. This belief was definitely erroneous, but nevertheless, the council was of the opinion that for reasons of economy and more efficient control, the time was ripe for a definite step towards consolidation. Such a move could not but be beneficial to sportsmen generally. Mr. B. H. Nimmo also spoke extensively in support of amalgamation, pulling forward several aspects of the position. Although amalagamutiou had not yet become the prime object, of. the society, yet it was high time that some steps were taken to solidify the position of acclimatisation bodies. Local body amalgamation was being given prominence at the present time on economic grounds, and the need was equally great as regards the control of sport. It was imperative in the work of tho society and its branches no less than in local body government that administration costs should be reduced, and he considered they should fall into line with the spirit of the times and amalgamate all districts in the Wellington province into a strong body. Economy and greater unity among sportsmen generally would be some of the benefits of a consolidation of sub-committee, while it would also bo possible to present a stronger front to criticism and opposition which had been levelled at the acclimatisation societies.

Combination would also mean that greater benefits would result from the hatchery service at Masterton, continued Mr. Nimmo. The hatcheries were ideally situated, both as regards proximity to streams for research work and also for distribution purposes. The hatchery would readily serve the whole of the Wellington province, and extend the service to struggling branches in Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay, some of which were at present finding it hard to carry on. Such a service would represent a considerable increase as compared. with the present one, but tho large-scale production of tho hatcheries would effect considerable economies, which would bo of benefit to all. Mr. Nimmo urged those present at tho meeting to accord their wholehearted support to any concrete suggestion put forward for tho amalgamation and acclimatisation districts.