ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 4026, 7 October 1874, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

The usual monthly meeting of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society was held yesterday afternoon. Present : Mr. Murdoch (in the chair), and Messrs. Burtt, Firth, Earl, and Dr. Campbell. Minutes. -The Secretary having read the minutes of last meeting, they were confirmed. L-'i n \-.s.—Mr. Burtt spoke in regard to the fines, which, ho said, the rangers had great dilliculty in collecting, and indeed also in obtaining convictions against parties infri ngi ng the by -laws of the society. He thought the payment to the rangers was far too small.—The Secretary said the total number of convictions had been nine. In one case only was the fine compulsory, and that was for selling hen pheasants.—The further consideration'of this matter was adjourned to next meeting. Tkout.—ln answer to a question, the Secretary said that s:io trout had been received from llobart Town. 100 hail been distributed.—Mr. Firth proposed that 100 should be sent to the I'apakura stream, SO to the Puniii, SO to the .Lvakapiro (a. branch of the Waikato), 80 to another stream in the district, CO to a stream running into the head of the Thames, and CO to another stream, a branch of the Piako. Tho transport would require great care. He proposed to visit tho Thames himself to-morrow, and would take charge of them. He had arranged with various gentlemen to meet him. if the fish succeed on the Punui the whole river system of the Waikato, abounding in suitable streams, would be populated by them. The same observations held good in regard to those he proposed to place at the head of the Thames. He would have liked to have sent some to the Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay, but at present this could not be done.—The motion, having been seconded, was carried. I.ml'oktatios oi" Sunns.—The Secretary reported the arrival of a quantity of seeds from San Francisco, and explained tho manner in which lie had distributed portions, the rest remaining in his otlicc for transmission to members oil application. He had also received a packet of garden seeds, from the Superintendent of Marlborough, which were available for distribution.—Mr. Firth thought that some parties might wish to plant oil a large scale, and suggested that they might be allowed to purchase at cost price. Cukatou's Horsi:.—The Secretary laid on the table an estimate of repairs to the Curator's house, amounting to £3.—After some discussion on the manner of carrying out these repairs, it was resolved that they should be carried out under the supervision of Mr. Burtt. Wai.i.ai'.iks. — Dr. Campbell suggested that as one of the wallabies had died, it might be better to turn the others out of the confined aviary to the open pasture, where they would do much better.—lt was then resolved to instruct Mr. Abererombie to do

Photection ok Fish.—ln regard to the | protection of fish, the Secretary said he had written to llobart Town for copies of Acts which might be a basis for legislation here. New Boons.—The Secretary then read the following list of books which had been received, viz., "Second Annual Report of Zoological Society of Philadelphia," " Proceedings of Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria," " Sccoml Annual Report of Secretary for Agriculture, Yictoria." " Reports of Acclimatisation of Canterbury,'' " Paper on Fodder, Plants, and Grasses," by Dr. Sehoinburgk, receipt of which the secretary had duly acknowledged. CoKKEsroN l.r.Ncr.—Letter from R. A. Scott, of Scott Brothers, Ohincnintu, pointing out tile advisability of planting ornamental trees in that district, and placing lish in Lake Rotorita, the consideration of which was deferred. One from Mr. Graham, frran 10i.,1..i., :iel.-noule.b_riior pf". of implications for birds, &c., saying he would send tlieni at the best season. Mr. Spencer, of Grahamstown. wrote to say that if soli cited many people there would be glad to form a branch society. To this the secretary replied, suggesting that the movemeno be deferred till March. One from Mr. .1. C. Young, reporting the existence of trout in the Wailiou, and of black swans, which the native magistrate, Wi Kepa To Marama,had protected by imposing a line of ,t's on anyone, native or European, disturbing them. Mr. Ramsay, of Sydney, also wrote stating that lie would send eggs of swallows as soon as possible. In regard to snipe he had never heard of their eggs being procured, lie thought in all probability the birds bred in far oil' districts. Mtn:i:.\v Cni>.—A discussion took place as to the desirability of introducing the Murray cod, and it v, as decided that for the present no steps should be taken. New Memi:i:i;s. —The Secretary then read the list of the following new members :— Messrs. W. Bierss, R. Garlick, .1. B. Brown, G. Murtagh, I'hos. Wilson, .1. B. Poyntcr, T. C. Caulton, Ralph Newman, and Llr. R. T. ('orbctt. Ai rursTs. — The monthly statement of accounts was then read and approved of. A I'f'i i.i a'iep Suci i-.'it es. —The Chairman said that on his way to Auckland he had been requested by the Marlborough Society to supply them with pheasants. It was decided to do so at cost price and charges, both to that and other branch societies. The meeting then terminated.