OTAGO ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3860, 6 March 1928, Page 18

OTAGO ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

MONTHLY MEETING. Th? monthly meeting of the council oi the Otago Acclimatisation Society was held on February 27, and wasattended by Mi A Cowie (in the chair, in the absence of Mr C. P. M. Butterworth, who is still too indisposed to resume his position as president). Messrs Rutherford, Abuin, Stewart, Dodgshun, Baker, Long, White, Reid, Williams, Turner, Smith. and C. Wilson. ANGLING COMMITTEE. The Angling Committee, in connection with a special report on the Clinton Hatcheiy, recommended that some white bait netting should be purchased when required to make nets for taking young trout out of the streams; that Mr Mow bray be engaged, if available, during the spawning season; that the collecting jf trout eggs at the Mimihau be discon tinued. In connection with Ranger Pel lett’s report, the committee recommended that Mr Pellett should be authorised to get a new rope for the Leith, some cages for holding fish, new landing nets, and heavier wire netting for the fish trap on the Leith.— Ranger Campbell reconi mended that a prosecution be instituted in connection with refuse being run (from a flaxmill) into the Redan Creek. The Acting Chairman (Mr Cowie) read a report concerning hatcherv matters. —Mr R Adamson (Clinton) wrote as to Mr Gordon refusing to allow anglers to come on to his property. —Mr T. Gillespie (Hawea Flat) wrote as to the trout fishing in and around- Hawea, also regarding stripping operations in Timaru Creek.—This communication had been received. The secretary of the Otago Anglers’ Association wrote advising the result of the Waipahi River competition for the medals S resented by the society.—Mr R. Leask, lelso, wrote regarding the number of shags on the Upper Pomahaka, and offer ing to shoot them out if employed by the society.—Mr Leask to be informed that the society would be pleased to pay for all shags’ beaks sent in by him.—Mr G. Eaton, of Waitahuna, wrote regarding the number of shags in the Upper Waipori.—This had been received. Mr P. M‘Ewan (Manorburn Dam) wrote saying, that the trees were doing all right.— These trees were planted about the dam. Mr J. Cook (secretary of the Teviot Angling Club) forwarded a report on Benger Creek.—lt had been resolved that (he council should be recommended to stock the Menzoin Dam, Miller’s Flat, with rainbow trout.—The report was adopted on the motion of Mr Williams. GAME COMMITTEE.

The Game Committee’s report, with ceitain excisions, was as follows:—In connection with outside correspondence the Department of Internal Affairs had written regarding the proposed destruction of deer by means of salt licks; regarding the non-issuing of opossum licenses to those convicted of offences against the regulations: as to particulars relative to the allocation of opossum revenue; enclosing copies of the notification respecting the open season for deer; enclosing - copy of warrant issued to R. Dunlop, Clydevale, to kill opossums damaging bis property; stating that the society’s suggestions regarding the open season for game would receive consideration; enclosing warrant to take and liberate Canadian geese; regarding non-issuing of licenses to take game to those convicted of breaches of the regulations. Tlie correspondence concerning all these matters had been received. The committee recommended that one of the guns recently forfeited, and now in the office, be given to the curator at the hatchery to shoot rabbits in and about tlie property.’ Mr T. Gillespie' (Hawea Flat) forwarded information in regard to deer shootihg, Canadian geese, quail, and fishing in the

Hawea district.—The committee recommended that the secretary ask Mr Gil lespie to furnish an approximate price for the catching of some hundreds of young Canadian geese next season, and to state how he proposed to catch them. Mr Ron Muir (Hawea Flat) had written advising that be had culled the number of deer contracted for in the Hunter Valley, but he was unable to kill the required number in the Makarora. Mr Isaac Taylor (Hun ter Valley) had written notifying that he had received and destroyed a further 257 deer tai’s from Reg. Muir, making his total 603.—Recommended that a further letter be sent to the Minister pointing out that the jaws of the deer killed were the best evidence of the animals killed. The secretary of th e Auckland Acclimatisation Society had written saying the mallard ducks had arrived in good condition. Mr J. D. Collins (Maungawera) had written stating that he had been to the head of Lake Hawea, but could not catch any 1 young Canadian geese.—To be thanked. Mr J. Bucklev (Hawea Flat) had written regarding culling operations, and had forwarded information wanted, regarding •leer, by Professor Huxley.—Buckley to get a few deer. Colonel G. A. Strutt' (Auck land) had written enclosing cheque for £l2 for stalking license, and asking for block 35. —Colonel Strutt to be offered a block in the Hunter. Mr E. Farrow (Waitoa) had written accepting an offer to stalk block 35. Mr P. Aitken (Paerau) had writ ten applying for block 18, Hunter Valley. Mr Eric James (Makarora) had written re garding the prospect of obtaining deer meat during culling operations.—Mr James to be advised to communicate with the society later, that there was no objection to his making arrangements with the holders of culling contracts. In connection with the shooting season the committee recommended that the following words, On any day during the season be put in front of the following regulation: “ Shooting may begin not earlier than one hour before sunrise and must cease not later than one hour after sunset,” and that a clause be added to the regulations that the maximum number of birds that may be shot by any one person in any one day he 25; that the secretary write to the Southland Society regarding the method of setting trout eggs, asking if the method w’as a success. The chairman of the com mittee had read a letter from Mr Tennent regarding the gauging of water, and a report from Mr Cowie respecting a recent visit to the hatchery.—Report adopted. CORRESPONDENCE.

Mr T. Cockbum, secretary of the Waikaia Angling Club, wrote asking for five eel pots. —Request granted. A youth, who had been caught fishing with two rods, one of which belonged to his brother, who had no license, had been deprived of one of the two rods. —A comment was made that, of course, the better rod had been taken.—Action approved. CLINTON HATCHERY. The council then went into committee to consider matters in connection with the Clinton hatchery; and a lengthy discussion ensued as to the condition of the hatchery. —A number of reports were read, the contents of which were regarded as of a private nature?