Propose North Acclimatisation Societies Amalgamate

Northern Advocate, 23 August 1943, Page 2

Propose North Acclimatisation Societies Amalgamate

"We represent The most cosmopolitan body in life. Our members are drawn from every walk of life and we have a duty to perform to the sportsman," said Mr S. J. Snow (Whangarei) to the annual meeting of the Northland Acclimatisation Societies' Federation held on Saturday night in Whangarei. Mr. Snow was advocating that the four acclimatisation societies which form the Northland federation should arnalga mat e. "If we amalgamate,” said Mr Snow, "we will have one society in the North and our licenses will be used from the Whangarei boundary to the North Cape. Such a scheme may reduce a few of the licenses but we will be offering something which will attract sportsmen from all over New Zealand to the North. If we amalgamate we would have more unity than ■we have today and each society could have the handling of its own domestic affairs.

“We would be able to run a larger hatchery for fish. There are still waters left in the North unstocked which would furnish some of the best fishing in the Dominion." Mr E. Doel (Bay of Islands) said that the delegates from. Bay of Islands had been instructed to vote against the proposal, but, in view of the fact that if amalgamation was brought into force, societies would still be able to handle their own domestic affairs and old members would not lose their identity, he wished that they be given time to discuss the matter with their society.

"Not one of the other three societies wish for amalgamation." said Mr J. O'Sullivan (Mangonui-Whangaroa). "The main fault is the license operating from Whangarei to the Cape. The question of tourists coming into the North does not enter into the matter. We will not vote on the question at all."

Mr B. F. Hopkins (Whangarei) asked Mr O'Sullivan if MangonuiWhangaroa would abide by the decision of the other societies since they refused to vote. Mr O'Sullivan: No.

This would break-up the federation, pointed out Mr Snow, and from Mr O'Sullivan's tone of voice lie deduced that Mr O’Sullivan thought Whangarei was. by amalgamation, attempting to control the whole of the North "Whangarei has no plans or intentions regarding the control of the North," said Mr Snow, and affirmed that, if the proposal was carried and the federation decided that Kawakawa, Dargaville. or Kaitaia should be the centre: of the Northland society, the Whangarei society and delegates would abide by the federation's decision. Ho cited the case of one federation which had amalgamated and had found that better results all round had been given. Referendum Suggested “We do not feel that we have the power lo vote although the matter has been discussed by us.” said Mr W. R. Craig (Mangonui-Whangaroa). He had seen amalgamation operating in Auckland and he had found that then' was too much friction between societies He thought Whangarei had brought the amalgamation proposal forward simply to give improved service to shooters and not to further their gains. The question should be left to allow members to consult with their societies. Mr E. Doel (Bay of Islands) raised the point that the younger shooters were away overseas and only the older men remained. "To attract tourists and sportsmen to the North is definitely an advantage," said Mr L. A. Dent (Whangarei). “Our job is to further the district.”

It was decided to further consider the question at the next federation meeting when delegates will be asked to vote on a proposal to take a postal referendum among all licence-holders of the four societies.