ACCLIMATISATION.

Southland Times, Issue 14371, 18 March 1910, Page 5

ACCLIMATISATION.

SOUTHLAND COUNCIL MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Executive of the Southland Acclimatisation Society held yesterday evening, was attended by Dr Cantrell (vice-president), Messrs D. McFarlane. E. C. Leary, G. P. Sise, Eustace Russell. R. McKenzie, E. R. Stephens. T. D. Pearce, F. A. Steans, Dr Sale and Dr Snow. The Collector of Customs intimated that the Secretary of the Marine Department had informed him that the matter of allowing netting in the Aparima estuary had been carefully considered, and it had been decided that the removal of netting restrictions above the traffic bridge on that estuary could not be recommended at present. Mr W. E. Tait wrote concerning the discharge from the Woodlands Meat Works into the Waihopai stream, pointed out that he had been informed that the washings really provided food for the fish. —The matter was referred to the curator for report.

Mr E. Russell reported the position of correspondence concerning the damming back of water on the Waikana stream above the Mataura hatchery.—The action of the solicitors was approved. The Chairman intimated that the Secretary had tendered his resignation. —The resignation was accepted, and members expressed regret that Mr J. B. Bews had found the step necessary. Mr Russell expressed the hope that now Mr Eews might see his way to become a member of the Council. The sentiment was received with approval, and Mr E. C. Leary at once gave notice to move at next meeting that Mr Bews be elected to the Council to fill the present vacancy. It was decided to enter on the minutes an expression of appreciation of Mr Bews’ services. It was decided to invite applications for the position of secretary and treasurer at a salary of £SO a year, the application to be in by 23rd inst.

The Curator reported that the season had been an exceptionally good one for rearing young trout. No further testimony to the excellent supply of water the Society had acquired was required than the rate at which the young trout had grown at the hatchery (Mataura) and the low percentage of deaths. The recent drought had proved that the Society had acquired a valuable water for the purpose. He recommended the distribution of 10,000 yearlings to relieve the ponds. Mr Steans, on behalf of the Stock Committee, orally reported on a visit to the hatchery, and emphasised the necessity for distributing some of the yearling trout. He also stated that it was necessary that a sorting and stripping shed should be erected at a cost of about £25. —The Stock Committee was authorised to act in the matter of distributing trout and having the shed erected.

It was agreed that the annual meeting be held on Friday, 29th April, and Messrs Steams, Pearce and Burnes (President) were appointed to assist the Secretary in drawing up the annual report.

Accounts amounting to £25 4s 4d were passed for payment.