NELSON ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

Nelson Evening Mail, 26 May 1916, Page 3

NELSON ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Nelson Acclimatisation Society was held at the Anglers' Club rooms last evening, "Mr J. Pollock, chairman of the council presiding. The report, which had ! been printed and circulated among members, stated inter alia: The council have pleasure in placing before members the balance sheet, which shows the society to be in a sound financial position. The revenue from fishing licenses continues to declines, and for the coming year a considerable reduction in revenue from deer stalking licenses must be expected owing to so many stalkers being away at the front. Included in the expenditure are the sums of £25 paid to the Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund, and £lO to the Red Cross Fund, making a total of £6O donated by the society to the various war funds. Deer, —The licenses to stalk issued during the season 1916 numbered 110, compared with 134 the- previous year. Deer were reported to be numerous all over the district,, and those sportsmen who were able to go into the backblocks secured some fine heads, which may be seen at the local taxidermist's (Mr. Elliott). Trout.—The 300,000 brown trout ova procured from the Ot.igo Society arrived in perfect condition, and were very successfully reared by the curator. The voung trout were liberated as follows:* Maitai 50,000, Stanley Brook, Graham and Dove 50.000, Whangamoa 30,000, iHappy Valley 30,000, "Wairoa and Aniseed 60*000, Upper Wai-iti 20,000, Baton 10,000. The fishing the Maitai continues, to improve, and good reports were received of the fishing in the Whangamoa, Aniseed and "Wairoa. The Curator, assisted by members of the council and local residents, visited the Wai-iti in the dry season and netted a few thousand young trout, which were liberated in the Wairoa and Maitai.

Quail. —The year 1916 being a statutory close season, at the request of a number of sportsmen your council decided to ask the Minister for Internal Affairs to gazette a special shooting season for the district. This request was complied with, and a three months' season proclaimed. Reports received go to show that birds are generally fairly plentiful, and a good season is antici pa ted. Ranging.—The council (retains the services of the Ranger, who, although he has not secured any convictions, continues to do good work in checking poaching. . The balance sheet showed that the receipts for the year amounted to £232 0s lid, and that the balance carried forward from the previous year w r as £IBB 9s 9d. The expenditure for the year was £294 2s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £126 8s sdi The cash assets of the Society are £263 12s 6d and the liabilities £37 lis 7d.

The report and balance '.sheet were adopted. The following were declared elected to the council, being the only candidates nominated: —Messrs W. S. Booth, W. T. Hargreaves, G. Hoby, T. Houlker, R, W. Noakes, J. Pollock, F. E. Shuttleworth, and H. B. Walker. The chairman referred to the good work done by the secretary (Mr R. Catley) during.. the year, and it was resolved that he be re-appointcd as secretary and treasurer.

Some discussion took place in regard to the deer park at Wakapuaka, and it was 'resolved that it be p. recommendation to the council to ask the owner of the property to make the society an offer for the fencing. During a discussion on pheasants it was stated that these were increasing in the AVakefield, district. ..■'■'

It was reported that quail were more plentiful this season than' last. Replying to a question the chairman said the council -was of opinion that good value was obtained for the money expended on ranging. Mr Walker/ endorsed the chairman's statement -and added that the police also rendered the societv assistance.

In reply to another question the chairman said a- landowner had no right to shoot game out of season on his property. If a landowner found that game were damaging his crops out of season he must apply to the Minister o{ Internal Affairs for permission to shootthem.