DRAINAGE OF LAKE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21552, 25 July 1933, Page 12

DRAINAGE OF LAKE

THE EFFECT ON TROUT OPERATIONS AT ELLESMERE Concern at the possible bad effect of sea water on the trout and feed in Lake Ellesmere when a permanent outlet to tho lake was made was expressed at a meeting of the council of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society last week. The accuracy of statements in the report of a sub-commit-tee was challenged, mainly by Professor 10. Percival, and the report was referred back to the sub-committee for presentation to the next meeting. The report was not released for publication. "Anglers are afraid that the entry of sea water may interfere with the fish and the feed, and with the good fishing that has been obtained there in the past," stated the chairman, Mr. F. Stcans. Professor Percival said that the report was very inadequate, and if it went to tho Department of Internal Affairs it was likely to make the society look ridiculous. Tho committee was Aery ignorant of the basic conditions affecting the lake. According to the contour map of the bed tho tendency in lowering tho lake would be to increase the shallow area rather than decrease it. The facts should be gained first before a report was published. Tho present report would be inclined to create uproarious laughter outside. Sportsmen were afraid of having tho lako changed, but did not know exaetlv what thev feared. The weed beds brought up by .1 lowering of tho lake level would give shelter for ducks, which, during highwater levels, wero at tho mercy of every gun 011 the lake, stated Mr. J. Mackenzie. The lake was high for a relatively short period