FISH AND GAME

Southland Times, Issue 20496, 26 May 1928, Page 8

FISH AND GAME

ACCLIMATIZATION WORK SOCIETY’S ANNUAL MEETING SOUND FINANCIAL POSITION The annual meeting of the Southland Acclimatization Society was held last evening, Mr John Gilkison presiding over an attendance of more than 50 members. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, as already published, the president took the opportunity to comment on the sound financial position of the society, stating that though the society was mot a money making proposl tion it was pleasing to note that the finance was so good. The policy of stripping and planting eyed ova was beneficial to South land anglers. Eleven million eyed ova had been handled in the past five years, which was more than the work of the previous 60 years. In the matter of curtailing whitebait he was not prepared to advocate this step, as a number of Invercargill and district residents derived a great deal of pleasure from whitebaiting. In any case, if whitebait were curtailed we could not grow the size of fish as it was undoubtedly a fact that fish could not be grown on insect food alone. The society was fortunate in having a good outside staff, and the Southland Acclimatization Society was known, not only in New Zealand but in Great Britain, and even in France, for the wonderful work it had ‘done. (Applause.) The adoption of the report was seconded by Mr James Robertson, and carried. Mr Speirs said he had been through the whole of the Acclimatization Society’s works and he wished to congratulate them. The hatchery at Te Anau was making great progress, and the improvements were enormous. The ponds had been enlarged and Mr Evans was attending to the native game around the place. The artistic layout of the ponds would turn the place into a beauty spot for members. Though the summer had been dry fishing had been good, especially in the upper reaches of the Aparima. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: President, Mr John Gilkison; vicepresidents, Messrs A. E. Tapper and James Robertson; councillors, Messrs G. F. Strang, Eustace Russell, N. R. Mac Kay (Dipton), Robert Allison (Gore), Robert Sloan, .1. W. Smith and T. S. Mackie. Mr J. B. Reid was re-appointed auditor. GENERAL. Mr Smith moved as a recommendation to the incoming council that for the incoming season the council should not sell eyed ova Mr Robertson said that as our rivers were well stocked and the food supply was limited the selling of ova was better than overstocking Southland rivers. After considerable discussion the motion was lost. Mr C. F. A. Jones moved that the Government be recommended to open the Atlantic Salmon season on the Saturday before Labour Day. Mr Clarke moved an amendment that the season for both brown trout and Atlantic .-almon be terminated immediately after Easter or on April. 15, whichever date was later. Both motions were put. to the meeting and lost, and the present system will hold good. The president said he considered it would be a good idea to give the Lake Society a quantity of ova, as a number of Southland anglers went, to Queenstown and it would extend fishing facilities for Southlanders. In all probability the Lake Society would reciprocote by supplying Californian quail for Southland which would benefit local shootists. Mr J. W. Smith thereupon moved that the Lake Society be supplied with ova, the motion being carried unanimously. The question was asked whether the Acclimatization Society was within its rights in charging a license for native game. Mr Eustace Russell said the Government was responsible for the charge. Mr Speirs said that the council should go on with the increasing of rainbow trout in the rivers. Mr John Gilkison said it was the intention of the council to trap the Monowai river and if their efforts were unsuccessful, the council would look after the interests of those who were in agreement with Mr Speirs by purchasing ova or fry. The meeting concluded with votes of thanks to the retiring office-bearers and to the staff of the society.