NELSON ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Colonist, Volume XLII, Issue 9477, 12 May 1899, Page 2

NELSON ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING,

The annual meeting of the Nelson Acclimatisation Society was held at the Masonic Hotel last evening, when Mr Bannehr was voted to the ohair.

The report and balance sheet for the past year were read. From the latter it appeared that the credit balance at the end of March last was £196 9s lOd. The report stated that 75 licenses to shoot deer were issued last season as against 73 in the previous year. It was stated that quail are fairly numerous in the outlying districts, but not so numerous as last year —a fact attributed to the rain and cold experienced during the breeding season. Pheasants, it was stated, are very scarce, but as several brace were liberated last year a hope was expressed that the birds would soon increase. The scarcity of native pigeons was alluded to, and the Committee reported that they had recommended that these birds should be protected one year in every three, and that in open years the shooting should be restricted to the months of June and July, when the birds are in best condition, while such provision would enable the late young birds to mature. Kakas were said to be plentiful in the Collingwood and Takaka districts, but not near Nelson, and the Committee expressed the opinion that it would be advisable to protect Paradise ducks. Begarding fish, it was stated that the curator, Mr Nalder, had reared and liberated 16,000 trout fry, while 2,500 rainbow trout had been purchased and liberated In the local rivers. The Committee recommended the purchase of a large number of rainbow trout for distribution in the season, these fish being deemed much superior to ithe Fontinalis and brown trout, both in I regard to flavor and the sport they afford. Beference was made to the liberation of between 300 and 400 three-year-old salmon by Mr Tinline in the Motueka river, and a hope was expressed that these fish might be found asoending the Motueka during the coming spawning season. Hearty thanks to Mr Tinline were expressed. It was stated that nothing had been seen of the prawns liberated in Nelson. Thanks were expressed to. Messrs John Nalder, Harry Nalder, Sherwood, Hounsell, and Pollock for their efforts in promoting the work of the Society, particularly in regard to fish culture. "'

The report, which led to considerable discussion, was, together with the balance sheet, adopted on the motion of Mr Dundas, seconded by Mr H. Baigent.

The Chairman announced that Mr Kingdon had Informed the Committee that his business engagements precluded him from continuing to act as Hon. Secretary. He intimated his intention of proposing a reso-

ldtion later on, but as the first business was to elect officers, he asked for nominations for the office of Secretary.

On the motion of Mr Dundas, seconded by Mr P. B. Adams, Mr Mac Donald was unanimously elected Secretary.

On the motion of Mr Booth, seconded by Dr Gibbs, Mr Pollock was unanimously re elected Treasurer, and that gentleman's past services were gratefully acknowledged. The election of Committee resulted in the appointment of the following members : — Messrs Booth, Kingdon, Dr Gibbs, Messrs Adams, Bannehr, and Dundas. The Chairman then referred to the good services rendered the Society by Mr King* don for nine years, and moved that a hearty vole of thanks to that gentleman be recorded on the minutes and that Mr Eingdon be elected a life member of the Society.

Mr P. B. Adams seconded the motion, which was supported by other speakers and carried unanimously.

MrDundas moved that all persons paying a license fee of 10s or upwards shall be de facto members of the. Society. He urged that it would be beneficial to the Soeiety if those who took out licenses to fish or to shoot took a general interest in its welfare.

The proposition was seconded by Mr Pol lock and supported by Messrs Kingdon and P. B. Adams.

The motion was carried

On the motion of Mr Baigent, it was resolved that in the event of any member joining the Society and paving the subscription of ss, the same should be refunded on his subsequently taking out a license, the fee for which amounts to 10s or upwards.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman terrain ated the proceedings.