THE ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1159, 14 February 1874, Page 1

THE ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

At the meeting of the Council of the Acclimatisation Society which was held last week, an important suggestion was made by the Chairman in regard to the introduction of fish. "What he in. effect contended was, that although the salmon is undoubtedly a very valuable fish — probably the most valuable fresh water fish, if it can be reared in large quantities — still, ifc was a question whether, in expending large sums of money in the attempt to naturalise the salmon, we were taking the best means to stock the lakes and rivers of the Pro yine 3 . He reminded the meeting that the area of the lacustrine system of Otago was infinitely greater than that of the rivers, and he urged therefore that some kind or kinds of fish should be procured which would thrive in our lakes. It is to be presumed that in endeavouring 1 to introduce the salmon the Government have been seeking to supply an article of food and a means of employing a certain number of persons in a profitable industry, rather than to add merely to the sportß of the country. It is for them to consider, therefore, whether by stocking Lakes Wakatip, Te Anau, Wanaka, and Hawea with good kinds of edible fish, they would not be conferring as great, if not a greater benefit upon the Province, than if they were to succeed in acclimatising the salmon in the Clutha, the Mataura. and the Waiau. The quantity of fish which the lakes, we have mentioned wquld annually produce when fully staoked is. almost incalculable, when the vast area over which they extend is considered ; and if stocked with a suitable kind of fiah, not only would employment to a large number of persons be provided, but important industry

would arise, which would prove of vast benefit to the Province. It may be reasoned by some that, if our lakes were suited for fish, they would be found there ; but it might as well have been said some years ago that our hills and valleys would not support sheep and cattle, because there existed no living animal to crop the grass. It remains to be seen what are the best sorts of fish that will thrive in the inland lakes of Otago, and the Council of the Society decided on taking the proper initiatory step when they resolved upon obtaining all the possible information upon the subject from the best authorities at home. To carry out the suggestions that were made by the chairman to their utmost would be beyond the limited means of the Society; and it is to be hoped, therefore, that the Provincial Government will see it their duty to give effect to a proposal which, if successfully carried out, will confer very considerable benefits upon the Province in return for a comparatively small outlay of money.