AUCKLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11780, 9 October 1901, Page 7

AUCKLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

A MEETING of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society was held yesterday afternoon at the Museum Buildings. Mr. F. Burtt presided, and there were also present: Messrs. W. Wigmore, F. Earl, 0. E. S. Gillies, J. Whitney 11- Bull, T. Masefield, J. Hardy. Bats: The "Auckland Provincial Agricultural Society wrote asking whether the society proposed to do anything further toward" introducing toads and bats into the colony, as proposed a few years ago. It was decided that no steps he taken in the direction indicated or the present. Curators Report: The report from the Waimakariri hatchery for September stated that the distribution of fry had begun, and 20,000 had teen sent away to W hangarei, and 1000 to Waipu, and had all reached their destination in satisfactory order. Ihe try in the hatchery had been very much crowded, and the number sent away had relieved them considerably. Report adopted. Game Laws : The Chairman said sportsmen had complained that the society had not done enough to preserve the game, and that circulars had been sent round to sportsmen in the various districts asking their views on the subject, and only one reply had been received. This was from Mr. R. Mainwaring, of Kihikihi, who afforded information with regard to the scarcity of pheasants in that part of the King Country immediately smith of the Puniu River, The writer stated that a. few years ago there were many weasels in the district, but they bad seemingly died out, and that, in his opinion, the poacher was the worst enemy of the birds. It was added that there were more birds destroyed in the one month in that district preceding the shooting season, than in the season proper, and thought that it would be difficult to stop the practice. Mr. Bull submitted a lengthy letter, which be thought should bo sent to the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, asking their co operation in furthering the matters detailed therein. It was submitted that the society adopt the following recommendations: —(1) That the orinciplo of a minimum fine in case of poaching bo enforced as ill the case of the fishery laws; (2) that except in districts where it may be otherwise necessary, all protection of stoats and Weasels be withdrawn; (3) that steps be taken, either by joint action of the different acclimatisation societies, or with the help of the Government, to establish a game farm for the breeding of pheasants and other suitable game birds. With regard to the last clause, it was thought that the expense in connection therewith would be largely recouped by supplies of game taken by the various societies for restocking purposes. After discussion, it was resolved to refer the matter to the Game Committee, with power to act. It was decided that tho committee meet on Monday next at three p.m., to deal with tho matter.