FISH HATCHERY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23014, 4 October 1944, Page 4

FISH HATCHERY

Extension Agreed To

Aceliraatisation Society

Decision

“The proposed extension to the fish hatchery i- a step in the right direction.” said Mr R. McLeod, when the question of increasing the capacity cf the hatchery was under discussion at the monthly meeting of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society held at Temuka. “Al! the years I have ■been on the Council, we have not done enough for the fisherman. Our money would be well spent in putting more fry out.” Mr A. Jones: I will move that tha additions to the hatchery be gone on with so that they will be completed in plenty of time for next season. The chairman (Mr J. McDonald) said that they would have a new curator before next hatching season, and any additions should be left until then. Last season the Opihi and the Pareora fished very badly. Other streams fished well. He understood there were plenty of fish in the Pareora and the Opihi this year. It had been the best autumn for 20 yea s for trout to get upstream to spawn. It was early yet to know what the fishing conditions were going to be. and he would like to see the matter deferred until Christmas time. Mr F. Agnew said that it had been the best spawning season for many years. The chairman said that they now had two and a half times the supply cf water as when the hatchery was built. They could put four new'boxes in the present hatchery and provide an extra 80 000 fry without any increase in size. A Good Asset Mr J. Stevens said that many years ago he had advocated enlarging the hatchery. It was a pixy it had not been done then. It was a matter which should not be shelved. They had pursued a policy of wait and see for too long. They had a credit balance and would be putting the money into a good asset. They might have a good season for natural spawning this year and 10 bad years following. He was a believer in the hatchery, and so long as they had money lying in the bank they should do their best to improve the fishing and the shooting. Mr J. Smillie said that the chairman had always contended that the hatchery was a boon to the society. They should not wait for another bad season. Mr H. B. Timmings moved an amendment “that any addition to the hatchery’ be held over until the views of the new curator be obtained, and that immediate application be made for a new curator.” Mr W. Husband: If we are going to get a new curator, we can say “there is the hatchery; now carry on.” The chairman: There is a full Council present and I am prepared to let the wish of the majority rule. Mr Smillie: If it is more than a full time job for one man, we will have to engage another. Mr B. Triggs said that if they engaged a man to look after 100 boxes and they raised the number to 150, he would want more wages. The chairman said they wanted to do their best for anglers. Mr Timmings’ amendment was not against the building of the hatchery if it was found necessary. It was only deferring the matter until the new ranger was engaged. Mr E. Macdonald said that it would be necessary to engage a new man in plenty of time to get used to his duties before Mr Pellett retired. The chairman said that their finances had just been breaking even for the last three years. This was the reason they had dispensed with the services of the assistant curator. The motion put to the meeting, moved by Messrs Jones and Stevens, “that extensions to the hatchery be gone on with before next hatching season,” was carried by seven votes to five. On the motion of Messrs Timmings and E. Macdonald, it was decided -o advertise for applications for the position of curator-ranger. Lake Alexandrina In reply to a letter asking where the new level of Lake Tekapo would be in regard to Lake Alexandrina, the Acting District Engineer of the Public Works Department. Christchurch, advised that it was likely that the new water level would be between that of Lake McGregor and Lake Alexandrina but. as considerable design and surveywork remained to be done in connection with the hydro-electric scheme, hs would not be in a position to give a definite answer for some months. Members expressed the opinion that the road into the ton end of Lake Alexandrina might be under water when the level of Lake Tekapo was I raised, and it was agreed that it would | be unwise to spend too much money on improving this road. I It was decided to spend up to £2O on ■ improving the road to the head of the l lake. The secretary 'Mr F. J. Robertson) reported that a hut had been secured from the Army authorities at a cost of £25. and arrangements had been made for its erection at Rangitata for use by anglers. Bunks and a table would be provided. The financial report submitted by the treasurer (Mr S. Goddard) showed a credit balance at the bank of £283 19 5 compared. with £65/5/3 at the corresponding period last year. Curator's Report The Curator-Ranger (Mr F. W. Pellett) reported that all brown trout frv had now been liberated and also 100.000 rainbow fry. General maintenance work around the home and hatcherv grounds had been attended to. There were still 300,000 rainbow fry to be liberated, but this would be completed in about three weeks time and the hatchery' closed- All fishing streams were carrying normal supplies of water and had done 'so all througn the winter and spring months. Indications appeared bright for the coming fishing season.