ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12401, 14 October 1903, Page 6

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

GOVERNMENT ACTION STRONGLY RESENTED.

A MEETING of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society was held at the Auckland Institute yesterday. Mr. Burtt presided, and there were also present: Messrs. Whitney, C. S. Gillies, Kusabs, Walker, and the secretary (Mr. T. F. Cheeseman). After the despatch of routine business, the action of the Government in regard to the issue of fishing licenses was discussed. The secretary pointed out that the societies viewed with much surprise the vacillating attitude of the Government with regard to the trout-fishing regulations. It was stated that two months ago fishing regulations were drafted by the society and forwarded to Wellington. A reply was received from the Colonial Secretary's office that they would be accepted forthwith. Upon the strength of that license books were printed, and all other arrangements made for the opening of the season. About ten days before the opening of the season the secretary of" the society received from Mr. Pollen a telegram to the effect that the Government had decided to issue a new set of fishing licenses at £1 for the whole season, 5s for a monthly license, and 2s 6d for a weekly license for gentlemen. For women and boys the fees were 10s for the season, 3s 6d for a monthly license, and Is 6d for a weekly license. This rendered it necessary for the whole of the business of the license books and other arrangements made by the society for th« season to be despatched within a week, to the great inconvenience of the society, and especially to fishermen who, by reason of the Government action, were unable to obtain licenses in some country districts at the beginning of the season. * Since then it had been announced that the Government have in contemplation a further change, by which provisional licenses might be issued for the whole season for the sum of 10s.

The secretary's statement having been made, several members expressed themselves strongly at the Government's action /with regard to a work carried on so well and for so long by the society. Mr. Gillies said he did not see where the society came in at all. Next- season the Government would no doubt be issuing shooting licenses. Mr. Burtt wanted to know what steps the Government would take if they took over the work of the society. What would they do with its property and plant? Mr. Kusabs thought things were very much upsidfi-dow£ at present. ■-'" Mr. Gillies: It only shows bow the Government ride roughshod over us. Out of the Is 6d licenses the Government will .collect 6d commission. (Laughter.) Mr. Whitney said he had taken out a £1 license with the object of helping the society, and this was the reason many gentlemer. took out a full license for the season, although they did not fish perhaps more than a few days throughout the season.

Mr. Gillies stated that naval officers certainly would have paid £1 ungrudgingly for the season, albeit.they might not iish more than a week; but now, of course, they would not pay more than the Government demanded. The finances of the society were brought into a sound condition, and the present season was looked to as 'likely to greatly strengthen the society's financial resources; but now that was knocked on the head by the Government. The society had to .pay its officers, maintain its establishment, to pay rewards for the detection and conviction "of poachers, and expend money for many other' purposes:

Mr. Kusabs, referring to the suggestion of Mr. Donne (superintendent- of the Tourist Department) to establish a society at Rotorna, said whatever was done the Rotorua people were fully alive to the admirable and liberal treatment they had received from the Auckland Society. The society bade fair to have a most successful year but for the change made by the Government. The change might- help the tourist, but .it would be inimical to the interests of the residents. ,

Mr. Burtt observed that it was of bat little use for Mr. Doane to tell the people of Rotorua to form a society, when he. as a Government official, must know, that the Government would take over the whole business.

The matter then dropped, and the meeting concluded with the payment of rewards for poaching convictions and other formal business. - ■ j