ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8535, 8 April 1891, Page 6

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

The regular meeting of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society was held yesterday, in the Auckland Institute. There were preBent : Messrs. Burtc (chairman), Bull, Shakespeare, Walker, Chatfield, Wansborough, Choyce, Colonel Carr6.

Finance. monthly financial statement showed that the funds in the Bank to credit were £44 lis Id, and £162 lis 3d in the Savings Bank. Mr. Harrow's Complaint. — A letter was received from Mr. Harrow, complaining of the remarks made at the annual meeting in reference to his statement re the introduction of English wild ducks in relation to the donation to Captain Whitney as to these ducks, and he asked to have the minutes and correspondence in regard to these ducks read, and to be furnished with copies and the result of the committee's decision. On the motion of Mr. Bull the letter was received and ordered to lie on the table. He did not think Mr. Harrow had been unfairly treated at the annual meeting. The motion was agreed to.

Rangers.—A letter was received from Mr. G. T. Wilkinson, native agent, enclosing a translation of an application by a half-caste to be appointed a ranger at Churchill, and Mr. Wilkinson recommended him as a suitable person. It was agreed to send his name to Wellington, to have him gazetted as a ranger, and that a letter be sent him defining his position, and intimating that there was no salary, and the only payments were for convictions. A letter was received from a gentleman resident in the Bay of Islands asking to be appointed a ranger. His object he said as an old sportsman was to protect the game, and prevent poaching out of season. He asked no remuneration, the appointment to be only honorary. _ Mr. Reed, solicitor, sent a letter recommending the appointment. . It was agreed to appoint the applicant, and to thank Mr. Reed for his letter. /,'

Stocking Streams with Fish.—Mr. K. M. M. McClellan, of Waipu, wrote asking for information as to the best means of stocking the streams in the district with fish. He described the nature of the streams, and asked the society to give information as to what class of fish would be most suitable, and if the society could supply tho necessary or most suitable sorts. Mr. Bull said they had turned out a number of trout in that district, but had heard nothing of them. Their policy for some time past had been to concentrate the supply for distribution to the head waters of the Waikato and Thames rivers. Mr. Shakespeare said there was a plentiful supply of carp and catfish at Ellerslie. He had liberated a number of both in Lake Takapuna, and tho former were now plentiful there, but he had never seen any of the catfish. It was agreed to reply that the society was not in a position to supply trout, but would supply carp and cattish at cost.

Fish-fond.—A letter was received from Mr. R. W. Hammond, of Ma?Gorton (through Mr. James Russell), recommending the society to employ and consult Mr. Ayson in regard to the site and construction of the new fish-ponds, as he was a suitable man and practical expert. The Chairman said that so far as the selection of a site was concerned, Mr. Ayson, who had no local knowledge, could not give them much information, but, as to the construction of the ponds, his advice might be useful. Mr. Bull thought it would be unnecessary, for they had all the latest works on the subject, and the cost of employing Mr. Ayson and paying his expenses would be very considerable. The only difficulty they had experienced was as to the supply of water. It was agreed to thank Mr. Hammond for his letter. In answer to the chairman, Mr. Cheeseman (secretary) said that the selection of a site was in abeyance at present. Distribution of Trout.—The chairman said they had now 4000 rainbow trout and 2000 brown trout on hand, and the question was, what was to bo clone with them. The Secretary said that the streams would soon be ready to receive them. The chairman, Mr. Bull, and Mr. Cheeseman were appointed a committee to decide on tho distribution of the fish.

Game Licenses.—ln regard to the issue of game licenses the Chairman said that it had been understood that they were only issued at the General Post Office, and he and Mr. Cheeseman had waited on Mr. Biss, tho chief postmaster, with a view to having them issued from all money order offices. Mr. Biss informed them that it had been the custom to issue licenses from all post offices, but it had not been done last year in consequence of his (Mr. Biss's) absence. It would, however, be done this year, It was agreed to instruct Mr. Cheeseman to ascertain if a list of those who took out licenses could be posted up at the various postoffices. The Chairman said there was another difficulty to which he had to draw attention. Mr. Coney, the chiof postmaster at the Thames, was independent of Mr. Biss, and he refused to issue licenses unless ho signed them himself, but the Act provided that they must be signed by Mr. Biss. The result of Mr. Coney's refusal was that many at the Thames would not take the trouble to send to Auckland for licenses. It was agreed that Mr. Cheeseman should see or communicate with Mr. Coney and explain the difficulty to him. Indian Game. — Colonel Carr<s asked whether they could not write to India regarding the importation of birds, fish, and animals suitable to New "Zealand. He understood that the Union Steamship Company was now about to open regular communication between Calcutta and New Zealand. He would suggest the importation of Indian salmon, which lived in any kind of water, cold or tepid, and which gave excellent sport, although they were not as good eating as English salmon. There were also many birds which, he believed, would do well here, such as theChicaw and Indian pheasants. He could arrange through his friends for putting them on board the steamer at Calcutta, and if the Society thought well of it, he would communicate with his friends in India. He thought it would be well worth trying. There were also a great many varieties of deer in India which would suit New Zealand. It was agreed to request Colonel Carr<s to obtain information as to cost, &c., of delivery at Calcutta and transit to New Zealand.

Accounts.—Current accounts amounting to £60 were passed for payment.