OTAGO ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19697, 26 January 1926, Page 5

OTAGO ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the council of the Otago Acclimatisation Society was held last evening, and was attended by the president (Mr C. P. M. Buttonvorth), Messrs Corrie, Turner, Long, Hutchison, G. \\ uson, Beni, Dodgshun, Aburn. Holmes, Howes, Stewart, and J. R. Wilson GAME COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The Game Committee reported that a seizure of opossum skins had been left' in the hands of the president to deal with. Letters had been received from the department with regard to the importation of black cock ptarmigan and plover; acknowledging receipt of suggestions for game and deer seasons; enclosing ranger’s warrant for John_ Duncan, inn., Mataura; and granting permission for the society to obtain six Mallard duck from Waikouaiti Lagoon for the Marlborough Society. In regard to the last-mentioned matter the committee recommended that the society apply for permission to take up to 200 Mallard duck if necessary from Waikouaiti Lagoon; the birds to be transferred to Lake Waihola, or other waters in the society’s district; Ranger Duncan to undertake the work of getting the birds. The Waitaki Society’s request in regard to trapping uaii had been replied to stating that it would be advised ip the matter. The private secretary of the GovernorGeneral had written advising that his Excellency would be unable to find time to go deer ytalkinj* this vear. It was decided that block 56 be advertised and unsuccessful applieants in the host ballot to be advised by circular' letter that applications would be received for this block, which would be balloted for at next meeting. Mr Cullen, Tonga riro National Park. Auckland, j" 1 a ( written that ehikor were not for sale. The committee recommended that the president lie authorised to obtain ehikor instead of black cock, up to the value, of £IOO. In connection with an application from Mr Mollet for block 35 the. committee recommended that Mr Mallet’s name be included in the ballot for block 56, which has become vacant owing to the inability of the Gov-ernor-General to go deer stalking this year, and that Mr Mallet be supplied with, a list of the other block's which were still unallotted. Mr D. Urquhart, Havrea Flat, had written that he had taken delivery of 1047 deer jaws from J. D. Oollins. Mr Urquhart has also written as to procuring a guide for Colonel Sparrow. These two communications had been received. The committee recommended that a letter of congratulation be sent to Mr M'lntosh on his appointment as general manager of the National Bank.—The report was adopted. ANGLING COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The Angling Committee recommended that action be taken against two men for fishing without licenses. In connection with a letter from Mr A. A. Campbell, in regard to net trawling in tidal rivers, the committee recommended that a copy of the regulations on the matter be sent to Mr Campbell. The Department of Internal Affairs had forwarded a warrant under the Fisheries Act respecting the appointment of A. A. Campbell and John Duncan, jun., as officers. The Marine Department had written that it would probably allow the catching and marketing of quinnat salmon this season on lines similar to last season. The department, replying to an inquiry from the society regarding the use of oysters for bait, bad written as follows; “Your society’s regulations permit the use of fish for taking trout, but as oysters do not come within the definition of fish for the purposes of either Part I or Part II of the Fisheries Act, their use as bait is illegal.” In answer to a question whether it was legal to fish with a worm and float, the department had written: “Your society’s regulations do not, of course, prohibit the use of float, but if the society desires that such prohibition should be made it will be included in the regulations which are at present under review.” The committee recommended that the prohibition of fishing with a, float be not included in the society’s regulations. The hon. secretary of the Naseby Welfare League wrote asking that the dams about Naseby be cleared of large fish and restocked with young ones. The ranger had been instructed to inspect the dams, and take the large fish out. The secretary of the Clinton Angling Club wrote asking if non-members ot the club could be allowed to compete for the medal donated by the society, and the secretary was instructed to answer the inquiry in the affirmative. A letter had been received from the secretary of the Tcviot Angling Club applying for 20,000 rainbow fry for Lake Onslow and the adjacent lagoons, and 20,000 brown trout fry for The Teviot River. In connection with a letter from Mr W. Ford, Pembroke, as to work done, the committee had resolved to forward a letter of thanks to Messrs Faulkes, Walker, Barker, and Captain Norris for assistance rendered.— The report was adopted. I GENERAL. Accounts amounting to £Bl 6s 4d were passed for payment. In connection with having an open season for the taking of opossums, the Chairman said that, a committee bat] been set up to deal with the regulations. They wore trying to get a conference with the skin brokers with the object of going into the regulations. It was a difficult matter to deal with. Horticulturists and the Forestry Department, two strong bodies, were inimical to the protection of opossums. It was decided that the council was in favour of having an open season, and to reply to a communication fejim the Department of Internal Affairs that a conference was to bo bold, and that the result, of that conference would be forwarded in due course. A letter was received from Mr J. S. Barlow, secretary of the Clinton Anglers’ Club, regarding a proposed wiling competition. Tlie dub was paying 2d per tail, and the writer would like th© society to forward the £1 10? promised. Mr Barlow asked if the society would approve of outsiders taking part in the competition, which would be conducted on a basis of 2d per tail. —The new- arrangement was agreed to. It was resolved (o purchase, a Gray truck on a basis of £75 for the truck already owned by the society being allowed.—Negotiations were left in the hands of a special committee that bad been appointed in the matter.