ACCLIMATISATION WORK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 141, 17 June 1931, Page 12

ACCLIMATISATION WORK

WELLINGTON SOCIETY SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS Under the beading of extracts from reports from sub-committees, the annual report of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society has the following remarks to make: Taihape We were very pleased with the number of rainbow yearlings and brown trout fry we received, but rather disappointed with the small number ef rainbow fry. As most of our waters are more suitable for rainbow than brown, we hope to receive a larger allotment this year. All the yearlings, fry and pheasants arrived in splendid condition. The rainbow yearlings were all liberated in th© Rangitikei from Utiku to above Springvale. The rainbow fry were liberated in the headwaters of the Moawhango, 30 miles from Taihape, and are the first to be liberated there. 'The browu fry were liberated in the Hautapu from its junction with the Rangitikei to Mataroa. The pheasants were widely distributed in. the district and from all accounts are doing well. Fishing this year has been very guod, the Hautapu especially, fish up to 71bs. having been taken, and also several limit bags. The Al.oawh.ango has been better than for several years past, bags averaging over Jib. There arc quite a lot of fry in this river, and as no fry were liberated either this year or last, with the exception of 30,000 in the headwaters this year, it looks as if they are breeding there. No big bags have been taken from the Rangitikei, but any amount of big fish, some close on twenty pounds have been seen, there We desire that when the fishing recommendations for 1931-32 are asked for, that the Rangitikei River, from its junction with the Kawhatu northwards to its source, be opened to natural bait fishing, as that is the only means of catching the large fish, which, in our opinion, are as bad as cels on young fish. The pheasants received from Pokeno were in good order and condition, and have been liberated. They were very tame compared with those supplied last year. Twenty cocks and live hens were received. As we are more concerned at present with the establishing of pheasants in tho district than the shooting of the same, we are trusting to receive another consignment later and would prefer more hens than cocks. Hunterville. The season was a good one for fishermen, the Rangitikei being a muchimproved stream, owing, no doubt, to the intensive stocking during the last few years. No large fish were reported, the rainbow, as usual, being the majority.

An increased number of yearlings and fry were received in the best of condition, and were liberated over a large area of the river. A shipment of pheasants was spread throughout the district, some being sent as far north as Ohingaiti. Young birds were reported fairly frequently, early in tho season, but will have to wait to May 1 to find if they are still surviving. Pheasants generally in this district seem to exist mainly along banks of rivers, the Turakina especially. Marton. The upper reaches of the Rangitikei River have, as usual, provided good sport, both brown and rainbow up to 5 and 61bs having been taken on fly and minnow. The lower reaches in the vicinity of Marton, have, as usual been disappointing. Tho season for ducks opened with an unfavourable wind which drove the birds away from the lakes, which usually provide good shooting. In other parts of the district where the conditions suited good bags were obtained. Although the number of ducks shot were not up to expectations, it is satisfactory to note that they arc numerous and should provide good days’ sport during the present season. Canadian geese on Heaton Park Lake are still looking their best, but as far as can be ascertained have not yet mated. Pukeko are still with us in countless numbers and in the unmolested possession of their haunts produce a pleasing sight to those who are not acquainted with their destructive habits.

It is pleasing to note the number cf bel' birds (mokomoko) that have been with us during the summer months, also tuis have been plentiful in the gardens. The fern bird (utick, matata) which is rare in most districts, are fairly plentiful in the raupo swamps of Heaton Park. This recluse little species is more often heard than seen, and only those most observant of our native birds would discover their presence. Pigeons have shown a marked increase, much to the gratification of those sportsmen who united in their efforts to protect them to the best of their ability. Ranger Andrews has done his usual good work, and his untiring efforts to uphold the society’s aim has the appreciation of all sportsmen. Mangaweka. The Mangaweka sub-branch desire to express its appreciation for consignments of yearlings, fry and pheasants, and have to report that all consignments arrived in excellent condition. The pheasants were an exceptionally fine lot and are reported to be doimr well. The Rangitikei has yielded good sport for the past season, and some very fine fish, principally rainbow, have been taken, and in most cases tho fish were in better condition than last ?eason. The branch was fortunate in receiving a visit from Professor Percival, and our only regret is that a larger attendance was not possible; nevertheless the information conveyed was much appreciated by all present. ■Weather conditions have favoured stalkers for the season just closed, and some very fine heads have been secured, including one eighteen-pointer, taken up the Pourangakai. Several good lens have also been taken from the Ruahincs. Wo again record our thanks to the parent body for prompt response to our requests, and liberal supplies of yearlings and fry, and also to the many willing helpers who have assisted during tin last year. for the application for an Oider-in-Council to construct a ■ ••am hue in Dublin Street between Bell Street and Victoria Avenue.” Adopted.