Feilding Acclimatisation Society

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 292, 10 December 1936, Page 3

Feilding Acclimatisation Society

MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. The council of the Feilding and District Acclimatisation Society met on Tuesday evening, Mr. P. P. Stevens (chairman) presiding. There were also present Messrs. W. J. Alpe, T. E'urne, IC. Ingram, N. Rosoman, J. Waugh, M. Laurence, C. Wickham, D. G. Fraser and E. W. Barnett.

A letter signed by 40 settlers of the Pohangina valley requested the society to close the Pohangina district for pheasant shooting for a further twelve months. In support of the request it was stated that the settlers had reared and liberated ISO pheasants and these were doing particularly well and it was not desired to have an open season until the birds were well established. Discussing the letter Mr. Laurence stated that the district had been closed for three years now and he understood that the birds were doing well. How long was the district to be closed V he asked. In his opinion there would have to be a limit to the time it was to be closed.

The chairman agreed that a limit was necessary but pointed out that the settlers had reared the birds and. they would have to be considered. If the society refused to meet the request of the settlers damage might result to the society's interests. Auother year might be all right but he agreed that there would have to be a limit. Mr. Laurence said that he had no objection as long as there was an assurance that there would be a limit.

Mr. Frazer pointed out that it was not a case of a request from one man for a close season. The application was from the whole of the settlers of the valley. On the motion of Messrs. Alpe and Laurence it was agreed to recommend the Department of Internal Affairs that a close season for pheasants be observed in the Pohangina district for a further twelve months.

It was decided to reply to the letter from the Internal Affairs Department requesting information respecting the next game season, that the society was in favour of the same conditions as prevailed during the season - just ended

with provision for a short open season of tw r o weeks for the taking of pukeko. It was also agreed to increase the shooting fee to 25s in accordance with the scale of charges approved of by the Government.

The council after the completion of the above business met delegates from Wanganui to discuss in committee matters concerning the federation of acclimatisation societies under the - new constitution.