ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16421, 23 April 1919, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

ANNUAL REPORT.

Tho following is tho annual report to bo presented at tho annual meexmg of the' Taranaki Acclimatisation Society to Jbe hold at tho Soldiers' Club on Thursday evening next; “In presenting Ike annual report your executive state that in pursuance of the policy outlined at tho last annual meeting, tho funds or the society have been conserved, with tho result that tho credit balance at the bank now amounts to £ll2 3s, with tho addition of the amounts raised by sale of game licenses, it k anticipated that the nalanc© will not fall far short cf £2CO. “Tho past fishing season has been disappointing. Tho closing down of the hatchery, which was inevitable, now tells its own talo. In consequence there has been a large falling off in tho numbers of fishing licenses sold. The shooting season, however, opens full of promise. Owing to the large number of sportsmen away at Die war during tho last few years, both pheasants _ and quail have*considerably increased in the district, and it is anticipated that good bags will bo made. It is to be noted that pigeons aro absolutely protected. The finances of tho association are still a source of anxiety to the executive. Even at the host of times the income of tlie association is insufficient to do justice ! o tho district. If everyone who should legally do so took out a license there would probably be ample funds. It seems extraordinary that there should ho so many who, to put it quite plainly, poach. £1 per license is a small enough sum for a season’s sport, and should not bo grudged by anyone. The question of a possible amalgamation on the part of the three acclimatisation societies now operating in Taranaki will be discussed at tho meeting. As this matter is of tho utmost importance and vitally affects tho future of tho society in particular and sport in tho province in general, it is hoped that a large number of sportsmen may make it a point to be present on Thursday evening.