ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

Northern Advocate, 18 April 1932, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

CLOSE SEASON FOR

LIBERATION OF TROUT,

Tho annual general mooting of the Whangarci Acclimatisation Society was held in the Chamber of Commerce rooms on Saturday evening. Mr. J. Parkin presided over a small attendance, those present being mostly members of the council.

President's Report,

The annual report was read as follows, and adopted:— Finance.—The balance Meet flaws the funds of the society in hand are £414 4/7. Out of this amount the sum of £1.30 7/0 is due for pheasants and £2 12/ auditing, leaving a balance on hand to finance tho coming close season of £2Ol 4/10. Close Season. —This nc.\t season will be a closed one in Whangarei, Bay of Islands and Mangonur. It is to be regretted that the Hobson Society did not see its way clear to have a closed season there as well. When the meeting of delegates was held it was unanimously agreed that the delegates would recommend their societies to have a closed season. The finance in hand will enable the society to pay the usual amount for hawks’ legs prizes, and generally maintain the working of tho society until tho licenses eome in for the season 1933. The‘usual expenses would be approximately £2OO to £220.

Pheasants. —The number of birds liberated this financial year is 201 held over from last season, 145 from Mr Parkin’s and 233 from Mr Millington’s, making a total of 579.- All these birds have been liberated since the close of last season.

Partridges.—No satisfactory reports have been received in regard to these birds, and I am afraid they have been destroyed by poachers. One report which came in, but which could not be substantiated, was that a resident of Onerahi destroyed the Onerahi brood.

Californian quail.—These birds seem to be on the increase.

Fish.' —The society purchased 100,000 ova during the winter. The hatching was not satisfactory. It was found that the shed was too dark to use effectively when sorting out fry and ova, especially when the water was discoloured by freshes. Considerable trouble was caused through floods, which caused the members of the society great anxiety and trouble. The total ova hatched and distributed was approximately 75,000. These were distributed in the Kiripaka head waters, the Whareora, the Waikaraka and at Poroti, It is proposed to concentrate on the stocking of the Kinpaka stream. All fry distributed were brown trout. The ova was bought at 5/ per 100 —a very reasonable price. Appreciation,—l wish to tender the thanks of the society to Mr H, Hawken for the use of the hatchery ground, also the many members and others who took part in distributing fry. Mr Mcllvride was as usual very much to the fore in taking part in hatching out. the fry and distributing same. I do not think the society would be in the position to distribute fry unless it had Mr Mcllvride’s advice and service, which have always been freely given to the society at much trouble and expense to him in many cases.

Vermin.—Hawks’ .legs bought during the year were L3OG pairs, a slight reduction on last year’s total. ISTo schools competition was held this year. Prizes will, however, be given for schools for hawks’ feet' returned between the date of the last competition being closed and the 31st October, 1932. Many reports have been received of the damage done by cats. Poachers. —I regret to say that poachers have been active as usual. Reports have come in that shooting has been going on even during the last month or so. The decision of the magistrate here that- “running away” is not “obstruction” has without doubt somewhat encouraged poachers. I would, however dra# attention to the fact that Mr Justice Smith appears to holdM contrary opinion. The society took steps during the year to urge other societies and the New Zealand Acclimatisation Association to have legislation put through in regard to poaching which would enable convictions to be procured more easily. I note that a regulation has been passed which prohibits the use of cars and motor cycles for the purpose of assisting in killing birds. This appears to mean that it is now unlawful to shoot birds from ears, or to casually stop a car and get out and have a shot when en route to a destination.

Tli,'mlcs. —ln conclusion, I wish to thank members of. the council for their attendance at - meetings and their loyal support during the year, I also wish 1o thank country settlors for their assistance in distributing birds, and for information often given to the society of illegal sljooting.

Official Personnel, 'l'he election of officers for the ensuing term resulted as follows: — President, Mr J. W. Parkin (re-elect-ed); vice-president, Mr H. \\ 7 . .Tame* (re-elected); council, Messrs C. Smith, H. Hawkon, M. L. Sands (re-elected), .K, McLennan, M, Whitelaw, L, North,

F. Dickey, H. Hutton, P. J. Mcllvride and R, D. Kerr; auditor, Mr E, P. Ramsey. Pish Hatchery. A recommendation was made to the incoming committee to consider the advisability of removing the fish hatchery from Maunu to Onorahi. A report was received from Mr P. J. Mellyride, whose valuable experience in breeding and rearing young fish has made it possible for the society to establish its own hatchery and buy large quantities of trout ova for the purpose of breeding sufficient fry to stock many of the most suitable streams in the district.

Mr Mcllvride dealt wdtli the merits of a stream on his own property at Onerahi, and recommended that the society inspect the site with a view to establishing the hatchery there. The proposal was discussed at length, and it was decided that members of the council visit the proposed site and report on the matter.

Mr Mcllvride stated that he could give the ova and the young fry all the necessary attention that is so much required during the early stages of the breeding period,' if he were in the position to visit the hatchery at his own leisure. He considered Maunu too far away to do justice to the work. He stated that the only expense the society would be faced with would be the provision of approximately 100 feet of fluming, and the transporting of. the building and. gear. The latter work, he suggested, could be carried out by a working bee of society members. All expressed themselves in agreement with the proposal, provided the new site was suitable.

Defining Boundaries,

Owing to many sportsmen not being conversant with the boundaries of the district, it was decided to have a number of calico signs displayed on the roadside to define the boundaries between the Whangarei Acclimatisation Society district and those of neighbouring societies.

Honorary Rangers.

The president appealed to honorary rangers and all true sportsmen to give the society every assistance in having the district ranged during the forth-

coming closed season with a view to suppressing illegal shooting. The society ranger, he stated, could not possibly detect every offence, therefore it was necessary to enlist the services of honorary rangers and others willing to assist.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair.