SPORT WITH THE ROD.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 September 1924, Page 5

SPORT WITH THE ROD.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETIES. ANNUAL CONFERENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Sept. 17. Delegates from all parts of New Zealand attended the fifteenth annual conference of the New Zealand Acclimatisation Societys’ Association to-day. The president (Mr. L O. H. Tripp) was in the chair. The president said he did not think the public realised the work the societies were doing. It was of national importance. They had supplied clean, healthy sport for the people, and attracted overseas visitors. One of the main • questions they had to deal with was how to keep up the standard of fishing, and that was really a, matter of keeping up the food supply of the fish. He thought the time had arrived when the Government should appoint a scientist who had made a special study of that question. The societies might contribute something towards the salary. The expert should be given an opportunity of studying the rivers and be i na position to advise visitors from overseas where to obtain the best fishing. Since the 1920 conference the Animals Protection Acts had been consolidated, and they were now looking to see the Fisheries Acta consolidated and amended.

Mr. Seed said it was possible that the Forestry League would be putting a proposal before the Government that a commission should be set up to consider an amalgamation of their controlling bodies of wild life of New Zealand.

Mr. Dargaville said he fully endorsed the president’s remarks about the appointment of an official to advise tourists.

Mr. Stead expressed satisfaction at the increase of native birds. He expressed the opinion that the rat was a great enemy of birds-

The election of officers resulted: — President, Mr. L O. H. Tripp (Wellington) ; vice-president, Mr. C. A. Whitney (Auckland); council, Messrs. H. H. Ostler (Auckland), H. Godby and E. T. Stead (North Canterbury), F. J. Dargaville (Hobson), L- B. James (South Canterbury), J. Gilkinson (Southland), C. P. Butterworth (Otago), B. C. Bennett (Hawera), G. W. Mclntosh (Tauranga), V. Duigan (Wanganui). A. F. Lowe (Wellington); treasurer. Mr. J. F. Oyer; auditor, Mr. W. S. Wheeler; secretary, Mr. C. I. Dasent.