FISH AND GAME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24297, 14 May 1940, Page 9

FISH AND GAME

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY ACTIVITIES OF THE PAST YEAR A successful year of activity is recorded in the annual report of the Otago Acclimatisation Society which was approved at a meeting of the council last night. The revenue for the year totalled £3760 10s lid, compared with £3831 8s Id in the previous 12 months. Fishing licences decreased by £ll7 14s 6d, and subscriptions by £9 15s, but shooting licences increased by £47 8s 3d, sales of trout ova by £55 7s lOd, and fines recovered by £43 17s sd. Because of adverse weather, the past angling season was probably the poorest for many years, but there were some bright patches when good catches were recorded. All waters appeared to be well stocked and anglers could look forward with confidence to good fishing for many years to come. From the point of view of the number of trout eegs secured the season was very satisfactory. A total of 3,791,000 eyed ova was secured during the year, comprising 2,881,000 from Lake Hayes and 910,000 from the Water of Leith. The previous year's total was 3,000,000. Fry were liberated in streams throughout the society's district. The game.farm had been extensively added to, and three large pheasant-rearing pens had been erected. A large holding pen for ducks, had also been erected. The breeding of ducks was growing. Last season 28 breeding birds were kept, and the progeny of these birds totalled 181. During the year approximately 500 shags were killed and 4401 eels were destroyed in the .society's traps. Sportsmen were urged to destroy vermin whenever possible, and it was proposed to offer bonuses for their destruction. Referring to the shooting season, the report states that ducks were plentiful. Quail were numerous and were holding their own in spite of heavy shooting and the depredations of vermin. Chukor were spreading rapidly in Otago, but were difficult to shoot During the 1939 season the number of game licences sold was 1034, an increase of 39 over the previous year.