ACCLIMATIZATION

Southland Times, Issue 21650, 11 March 1932, Page 4

ACCLIMATIZATION

SOUTHLAND SOCIETY MEETING OF COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the council of the Southland Acclimatization Society was held last night. There were present: Messrs James Robertson (president, in the chair), C. W. Wilson, 8. M. Macalister, J. S. Nelson, Eustace Russell, A. Hamilton, A. E. Tapper, J. M. Watson, N. R. McKay, R. Sloan, F. Young, R. Allison, G. I’. Strang, J. P. Butler and R. Dickson. It was decided that in view of the fact that no large orders for ova were coming forward this season, only the Ukukorord and Wairaki rivers should be trapped this season and, if necessary, the Henry stream. Pollution of Streams. Reference was made to the alleged mortality of trout in the Makarewa river in the vicinity of the Southland 1 rozen Meat Company’s works. Mr Russell reported that samples of the water from the Makarewa river in the vicinity of the freezing works had been forwarded to Professor Inglis, at Dunedin, for analysis and the report of the professor had disclosed that the water had considerable harmful pollution by the discharge of offal, etc. from the freezing works, which, in the opinion of the analyst, was amply sufficient to have caused the death of trout. Two courses were open to the society: (1) A prosecution; (2) An attempt to obtain an injunction against the company. The president stated that he considered the case was one for a prosecution rather than an injunction. He did not believe that the company was antagonistic and there was no desire on the part of the society to tie up or hamper the works from operating. Mr Wilson said he understood one freezing works near Auckland had installed a septic tank. Members agreed that a prosecution would meet the case.

In response to a letter from the society drawing attention to the fact that trout were dying in Waikiwi stream in the vicinity of the company’s fcllmongery, the secretary of the Southland Butchers’ ByProducts Co. wrote giving an assurance that nothing from the works was going into the creek other than what had been discharged regularly during the past 30 years. Deer Culling. Mr Strang said that reports were abroad that the society’s deer culler had been working on blocks which had been let to shooters. A number of license-holders were disgruntled at the reporls that the culler was operating on the blocks which, wotdd be stalked during the season in the near future. Mr Hamilton said the culler had not operated in any blocks which had been let. One block had been shot over, but this had not been let this season. Mr Dickson said he had heard numerous complaints that indiscriminate shooters were going over the society’s blocks. As there was definite evidence that the deer in Southland were well under control, the society should keep in view for future seasons the question of having the regulations amended to prevent shooting on blocks for perhaps two montlis before the shooting season. The president said that while he was sure all members of the council would disapprove of indiscriminate shooting on blocks, it would be very difficult to secure an amendment to the regulations. He believed the society was very fortunate to have secured a close season during March and April. The society’s deer culler reported that he had done a considerable amount of culling during the month in the vicinity of Monowai. The president said he understood the culler had not found the deer very plentiful. Opossum Season. An inquiry was received from the Department of Internal Affairs concerning the society’s views on the question of haring a close or open season for opossums. The president said the experience last year had appeared to show that opossums were becoming scarce. If he thought an open season would have any beneficial effect on the unemployment problem, he would favour an open season, but he did not think it would make much difference. It was not likely that many licenses would be taken up. It w-as decided to communicate with the Otago Society and if that body was in favour of a close season to request a close season for Southland. Toheroa Regulations. The secretary reported that lie had received inquiries for information regarding toheroas (shell fish found on certain beaches) and in reply to questions he had given the following replies:— (1) Are they found in any other country beside New Zealand —No. (2) How many may a person dig in one day ?—Fifty. (3) Are there any regulations on different beaches and, if so, what regulations’— Toheroas arc not allowed to be sold from beaches in the South Island. (4) Are there any seasons, end if so, what seasons for digging toheroas?—The season Is restricted. Toheroas may not be taken during October and November. (5) Is it. permissable to sell toheroas?— In the North Island toheroas may be sold, a license with a fee of £1 being required.