ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18848, 10 April 1931, Page 12

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Council of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society was held yesterday, and was attended by Messrs J. McDonald (chairman), W. S. Grant, H. J. Washer, J. Stevens, C. S. Young and the secretary (Mr B. Hughes). Condolence. The chairman, prior to general business being commenced, referred to the death of Mr W. D. Revell. He said the secretary had already conveyed the Society’s sympathy to the deceased’s relatives. Mr McDonald stated that Mr Revell had been associated with the Society as its auditor for a number of years, and his work had always been most satisfactory. Camping Sites. The Mackenzie County Council wrote in connection with providing camping sites at Lake Alexandrina, suggesting that the Society should consider the formation of a Domain Board to which questions of this nature could be submitted. The chairman explained that some £7 expenses had been incurred in connection with the survey of the domain at Lake Alexandrina. Members considered that the payment of expenses referred to should be deferred until a Domain Board had been formed.—This was agreed to. Restrictions on Bait. The Marine Department wrote stating that a suggestion had been made that fishing with minnow and anchored bait should be prohibited in Lake Alexandrina, and asking for the view’ of the Society on this question. Mr Washer moved and Mr Young seconded that a reply be sent that restrictions applied to the smaller lakes, and that the existing conditions at Lake Alexandrina should apply. Aeroplanes and Power Boats. The Department of Internal Affairs advised that it had been decided to prevent the use of any cartridge exceeding a length of 23 inches for the purpose of shooting native or imported game. Opportunity had also been taken to embody in the amending regulations provisions relative to the use of aeroplanes and power boats in connection with the game season.—Received. Restricting Fishing. The Southland Acclimatisation Society wrote asking whether the Society had to impose any restrictions upon fishing, such as reserving certain rivers for fly fishing, and prohibiting worm fishing in particular rivers, and if so had any definite results been noticed. Mr Young said that fly fishing only was permitted in the Opihi and the small lakes, and this had been most satisfactory. Anglers had this year appreciated the benefit of this in the Opihi. There had been better fishing in the river, chiefly on account of the restriction to fly-fishing, than ever before. It wras decided to forward a reply to this effect. Ranger’s Report. The Society’s ranger (Mr F. W. Pellett) reported that two salmon had been caught in the trap since his last report and had been given to the Bramwell Booth Boys’ Home. The Opihi river had continued in a low state, and this had militated against a run of salmon upstream. Since the season opened over 100 of these fish had been caught at the mouth of the Opihi. From 13th March to 26th March, 38 salmon were caught, totalling 5381 bin weight. Some of the fish weighed 221 b each. Tire Rangitata river had yielded some fair catches, but had not been up to the good standard of former years owing to frequent floods and a medium run of fish. There had not been any exceptionally large fish caught as far as could be ascertained. A 221 b weight salmon was caught at the mouth of the Opihi river, from which some scales were taken, disclosing the fact that the fish was four years old. This showed to what an extent a salmon would grow in four years. The Opihi river mouth was still giving some trouble in the matter of blocking up, and had to be opened up three times during the last three weeks, and at a time when large trout were ascending the river from the sea. The mouth of the river required to be kept open so that anglers might reap the benefit of the sport these fish provide. Six men were engaged on one occasion to open the mouth. The ranger suggested for consideration by the annual meeting that license fees be Increased from £1 to £l/1/-. This would increase the Society’s revenue from this source from £IOOO to £IOSO. The extra £SO could, he suggested, be earmarked for the purpose of keeping the river mouth open. Continuing his report, he stated that a new fish pond had been constructed in the creek at the hatchery. This pond was of a permanent nature and would not be affected by flood waters. Some poaching had been detected and two persons warned. The sale of salmon without a license had resulted in two men being convicted and fined. Some trout had been shifted from the Pareora river to the Opihi river. The report was adopted. Finance. The treasurer reported a credit balance at the bank of £133/3/2, and there was £6OO on deposit with the Post Office Savings Bank. Accounts amounting to £2B/5/- were passed for payment.