SOCIETIES CONFER

Northern Advocate, 25 October 1935, Page 9

SOCIETIES CONFER

ACCLIMATISATION AFFAIRS NORTHERN BODIES MEET? AT KAWAKAWA. A conference of Northern Acclimatisation Societies attended by delegates from Marjgontji-Whangaroa, .tiay of Islands and Whangarei was held at Kawakawa on Wednesday night, Mr J. W. Parkin occupying the chair. An apology was received from Mr McKenzie, president of the Auckland Society. Considerable discussion ensued on the question of the sale of game to hotels and to the| fact that hotels were selling game by having it on the table at meal times. However, no steps were taken. The question of amalgamation* of Northern Societies was very fully gone into, and points raised against the suggested amalgamation were:— (1) That the Northern Societies represented ' were spending as much money in proportion to their revenue, on ranging game and fish as the larger societies. (2) That the proportion of revenue spent in secretarial work by these societies was not out of proportion to sums obtained in revenue. Area Too Large. (3) That the areas served by the societies represented, covering as they do a distance of over 200 . miles, were too large to be all ministered by one society. (4) That the societies, by economical administration, make better use of their funds in procuring birds .han most larger societies. (5) That the rangers for the societies secure more convictions than most other societies, in proportion to their revenue, and spend more in protecting native birds. (6) That the work of the Northern Societies, being necessarily done in regard to shooting, it is advisable to have smaller societies, provided they conduct their operations in a satisfactory manner. After Close Season. A proposal by Mr Doel that it be a recommendation to societies to increase license fees after a close season to 25/ was carried. It was suggested by Mr D. A. Williams and carried, that the conference Recommend that Section 14 of the Animals’ Protection Act be amended to prevent shooting by proxy or by one son or daughter. It was recommended that protection be removed from pukeko. Mr Noy raised the question of declaring Brown duck open for shooting and pointed out the immense numbers that apparently bred twice a year. The question was left to the individual societies. Mr J. F. S. Briggs was appointed secretary to the conference, and it was decided to hold the next meeting at Kawakawa. Mr J. W. Parkin was asked to interview the Hobson Society, with a view to obtaining their attendance at the conference. Borer In Timber. Mr Briggs referred to the importation of Australian borer in timber

from that country and to its destruction of sawn timber in yards and also in houses. “In Australia” he said “it seems to be the practice to soak imported timber in the sea. Apparently through the neglect of the Government departments, this borer has been brought to Rawene and the North.” He also referred to the fact that no one appeared to range the Hen and Chickens, Poor Knights and other islands to protect native birds. Fish had been destroyed and he thought that the/Government might .easily appoint a ranger whose special duties might be to protect the fish and birds of the coast. The tourist trade would be seriously affected by loss of fish life through departmental neglect, and failure to realise responsibility. It was moved by Mr Garton that the secretary make representations to the proper quarters in respect of the questions raised. The .opinion was expressed that the societies purchase game through one body.