WAIMATE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18583, 2 June 1930, Page 11

WAIMATE.

GENERAL. A largely attended meeting of ladies for the purpose of meeting Mrs Geo. Bowron, of Christchurch, who visited Waimate to meet the Methodist Ladles and expain the alms and objects of the Methodist Women’s Auxiliaries throughout New Zealand, was held last week. Mrs Bowron’s lecture was highly appreciated, and It was decided that a branch should be formed In Waimate. A large number of those present handed in their names as foundation members. Mrs W, B. Scott was elected as the first president, Mrs R. W. Hutt, secretary, Miss V. Faulkner, treasurer. Mrs G. A. Manchester and Mrs H. Hayman were elected vice-presidents, and Mrs Barnard missionary box organiser. During her stay in Waimate, Mrs Bowron was the guest of the Rev. W. B. and Mrs Scott. WAIMATE R.S.A. The balance sheet of the Waimate R.S.A. presented at the annual meeting held on Thursday night last, showed that the Association was in a good position, disclosing a balance of £B6 as against a credit of £3l/0/1 at the beginning of the year. In addition to the donations granted to the three Waimate bands, a donation of £l/1/- was made to Mr Grut for the use of his office for meetings during the year, and for stationery and electric light.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY, The annual meeting of the Waimate Acclimatisation Society was held on Friday night, the president Mr G. S. Ford presiding over a good attendance of members. Annual Report. The annual report stated that fishing generally in the early part of the season opened very well, especially in the lower reaches of the Waihao, and mouth of the Waltakl rivers, while the north boundary river (the Pareora), yielded the limit In many cases, and some very fine fish were secured. Towards the middle of the season the very dry weather allowed the smaller rivers to drop to an almost unfishable condition, and caused large numbers of fish to be stranded. Thanks were due to a number of members, who assisted in the removal of stranded fish to more permanent waters. The Council realised the difficulties in the removal of stranded fish, and more suitable arrangements were to be made to cope with this difficulty. The salmon season had proved to be most successful; bags of three to six fish had been frequently reported; and all the fish had been in excellent condition. The Council realised that to keep the fish up to standard, they would still have to restock as heavily as funds would permit; during the past season 150.000 fry were -procured and 100,000 liberated in the Waitaki and 50,000 in the Waihao. The Council also realised the necessity of supporting the recently-appointed Research Committee, under Professor Perceval and Mr A. E. Hefford (Chief Inspector of Fisheries), and approved the recommendation of the delegate (Mr F. Nash), at the recent conference in Wellington, to contribute 20 per cent of opossum, and 10 per cent of fishing revenue to a committee. The scheme was now in operation, and it was hoped before long that the Society would have a research worker in the district, studying local conditions and problems. The shooting season jppened with some very fine bags, and in many dftses the limit was obtained on the Waitaki, while on Lake Wainono black swan and ducks were very numerous, but as the season advanced game became very scarce, and the Committee would have to consider the question of closing the 1931 season. It had been considered necessary to spend a larger amount on ranging, and thanks to their keen sportsmen and rangers, they believed poaching had been subdued in many cases, although there was still an amount of illegal taking of game and fish going on In the district. The fishing camp at Glenavy -was now In perfect order, and as shown in the balancesheet, a fairly considerable sum of money had had to be spent on the erection of a new water supply and ladies’ conveniences. The shelter at the Waihao mouth had proved to be of great use to fishermen and others frequenting that part of the river. During the year the Council had lost two members by resignation, Messrs W. Lee and C. Coventry, whose places had been filled by Messrs W. D. Paterson and W. Nelson. in conclusion the Council thanked all members and the general public for the support given them in their term of office. The chairman stated that the report treated the different questions affecting the Society fairly well, and he considered that full support should be given to the recently appointed Research Committee, whose work would be of benefit to all societies. The ; salmon season had been the best for I manv years, the Waitaki being in excellent order for fishing, and many . catches of three to nine had been ! reported. ! The treasurer (Mr F. Nash), when re--1 porting on the balance sheet, said the 1 year had been very successful ; financially.

Mr H. Mumford remarked that he [ had been a member of the Society for a number of years, and considered the year just closed to have been one of the most successful he had experienced. Mr J. J. Mumford doubted the advisability of placing so many fry in the Waitaki. He considered the cost too great for the benefit received. Members were generally of the opinion that heavy stocking would have to be continued, both in the Waitaki and Waihao. Mr H. Mumford asked if the £IOO in the Post Office Saving Bank was earmarked for shooting matters, and was informed that such was the intention of the Council, but at the present time they had no recommendations to make. Mr Cottee asked what became of money received from shooting licenses, and was informed by the treasurer that all monies went into the general account. The chairman then moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet, which was seconded by Mr H. Mumford, and carried. Before vacating the chair, Mr Foord thanked all who had worked so well with him during the past year. He was very proud of the work carried out by the Council and thanked Mr Nash, Mr Rathgen and the secretary. The nominations for the new Council were as follows:—Messrs F, Nash, R. Y. Smith, F. Pollock, F. Rathgen, J. Mines, W. D. Paterson, J. J. Mumford, W, Nelson, G. S. Foord, H. Mumford, A. J. Higgins and H. Cottee. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr J. J. Mumford; sen. vice-president, Mr W. D. Paterson; jnr. vice-president, Mr W. Nelson; treasurer, Mr F. Nash (re-elected); auditor, Mr McDiarmid (re-elected). Mr J. J. Mumford thanked the Council for placing him in the highest office, and trusted that his term of office

would be as successful as those of the past. Messrs Paterson and Nelson also returned thanks. On the motion of Messrs Smith and Foord, Mr F. Rathgen was appointed officer in charge of rangers. It was decided to obtain the cost o. a new net, for the removal of stranded fish, it being considered the method in use during the past season proving too cumbersome. RIFLE SHOOTING. The following are the results of the various Rifle Clubs’ weekly shoots:— The following highest scores were registered at the weekly shoot of the Willowbridge Miniature Rifle Club: —E. Bennett 79. W. Richmond, J. Hollamby, B. Richardson, A. Douglas 78, J. Richmond, S. F.Cox, G. Joyce, R. Forsyth, S J. Richmond 77, H. Melton, H. Hayman, E. Melton, C. Blair, J. Reed 76. „ The Duncan button was won by C. Bennett. , At the weekly shoot of the Studholme Miniature Rifle Club the following were the highest scores off the rifle:—C. Foster 79, H. Rollinson 78, T. Vincent 78, J. Butters 77, J. Lindsay 77, T. Hayman 76, T. Tonkins'76, E. Rollinson 76, H. Eddington 76, F. Saunders 76. J. Barrar 75, G. Sullivan 75. W. Lindsay 75, A. Hayman 75. C. Rollinson 74, E. Thomley 74, R. Sullivan 74. The trophy presented by Mr J. Murray was won by H. M. Edington in the third shoot-off. C. Foster holds the Henshaw button for the week. The weekly shoot of the Hook Miniature Rifle Club was held on Monday night for a trophy donated by Mr J. Simmons. Nine members tied with their handicaps and will shoot off next week. The following are the highest scores off the rifle:—A. Kingsbury 80, W. Richards, J. Medlicott 79, J. Campbell, F. Medlicott, S. Rathgen 78. R. Wilson. J. Stewart 77, C. Alexander, C. Rose, C. Richardson, L. Rathgen, W. Dempsey 76, F. Kingsbusy, E. Wilkin 75, G. Crawford 74, G. Shefford 73. A. Kingsbury holds the Club button for the week.

During Mr J. Sherwin's leave of absence, Mr C. Keinan will act as the "Herald” representative In Waimate.

500 ACRES rich river flat, attractive homestead, shearing shed, yards, dip, .sheep, cattle, horses, implements, chaff, hay. Grows excellent crops. For the lot £2BOO. A wonderful opportunity, £6OO cash required. FORBES WALLACE. Box 47, Waimate.