SIXTY YEARS AGO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17345, 27 September 1924, Page 25

SIXTY YEARS AGO.

ACCLIMATISATION IN ITS BEGINNINGS. A QUAINT RECORD. VIII. The first minute book ut the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society is of special interest in 1924, for it is sixty years since the society was started, it being founded in February, 1861. On May 20 of that year the first, meeting of the council was hold. The *• Star - ’ has been permitted to make extracts from this old minute book, which contains priceless records of acclimatisation matters. THE FIFTEENTH MEETING. Friday, September 29. 1860. Present Messrs Barker, Davie. Maefarlan, Johnson. Dr Haast in the chair. Tt was proposed by Mr Maefarlan and seconded by Dr Haast that Mr Johnson he considered a member of the council. Carried. The annual balance-sheet, which should have been submitted at the annual meeting, was laid on the table, also the monthlv account showing a balance in hand' of F-T 1> Id. Payments to the amount of 2J2 Is 2UI were passed including the expen.-es of erecting a hen house and enclosures, etc. As this was not authorised by the council, it was moved by Mr Hill that Mr Johnson to obtain the consent in writing of at least two of the council before any similar outlay can be approved of. An estimate for the board-ing-in of the shed to the amount ot 21 1 -Is was also passed It was stated by Mr Hill that the Government would probably put £250 on the estimates for acclimatisation purposes and by Mr Maefarlan that B?ir G. Grey had offered the society further contributions. A letter from the Consul-General of Turkey enclosing seeds and offering to send a larger collection was received, cept and communicate with Mr Alarhman on the subject. Permission was given the secretary hv Dr Haast to make use of his name in writing to Dr Hooker, of Kew. for seeds. The meeting separated after passing a vote of thanks for the following contributions :—A pair of pheasants, D. Dines. Esq. ; two Paradise drakes, H. H. Potts. Esq. : a native paraquet and parson bird. Master Deans; a native owl. Airs J. Stem son ; seeds of the tea tree. Air H. Smith; plants and bulbs, R. Wilkin, Esq.; a large number of half-bred rabbits. G. ATacfarlan. Esq. ; a native falcon, Master Barker. It was stated by the secretary that R. T. Drew. Esq. had offered his services to take charge of any native birds or plants by way of exchange to other societies in England. THE SIXTEENTH AIEETTNG. Friday. October 27. 1865. PresentDr Barker, Afessrs Tfa.wdon. Peacock, Johnson and R. Wilkin in the chair. A letter from Dr Officer, respecting the introduction of fish, was read. The secretary was directed to acknowledge receipt and accept- his offer of sending some Tench and Craw-fish.

A discussion ensued on the propriety of requesting some salmon trout- ova from the consignment from England. Mr Tlawdon stating that, from his experience on the subject, gained whilst in France, he entertained little hopes of our receiving n supply of ora. from the Tasmanian-bred fish for two or three years to come. It was linaTly decided that a, small box of salmon trout

ova. should ho requested it a favourable opportunity offered itself o? forwarding any with a reasonable chance of success.

The offer oi Sir G. Grey to send fho society some birds, etc., ns conveyed through Mr TTawden was also directed to he accepted with thanks, and the expense of conveyance with the necessary cages to be paid by the society. Mr Johnson was instructed to have plans for a salmon enclosure with estimated expense of construction ready for next meeting, also the outlay for ponds, etc.