ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160731, 18 August 1920, Page 11

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 18. The annual conference of the New Zealand Acclimatisation Societies opened to-day. L. 11. Tripp, who presided, said it was of the utmost importance that the Animal Protection Act and Fisheries Act should be amended. An important proposed amendment related to the destruction of fish by explosives. A great deal of dynamiting had been going on in the Wellington district, but in these days of motor cars, the detection of offenders was very difficult. A severe penlaty should be inflicted for the first offence, and gaol, without the option of a fine for the second offence. He also urged that the islands adjacent the Dominion be set apart as sanctuaries. The Government had reserved 438-1 acres on Kapiti Island as sanctuaries, and he contended the remaining GOO acres, owned by Maoris, should also be set aside for that purpose. Bell birds, robins, and herons on Kapiti had shown an increase. He suggested reducing the number of Acclimatisation Societies, and that remaining ones be made larger. If that were done, there would be a better chance of getting a larger grant from the Government. The societies had created a valuable Dominion asset, and it was the duty of the Government to give them a substantial grout. He contended that opossums should be protected in fruitgrowing areas, or in places apart from the large areas of native bush; also that licenses be issued by the societies to trap oppossums during certain months of the year, and that all persons selling oppossum skins be licensed. If it was properly developed, the oppossum trade in New Zealand at present would be worth .£15,000 a year, and could be increased three times. Mr E. F. Stead (Canterbury) urged the societies to combine in offering big rewards for anyone giving evidence leading to the conviction of persons shooting a white heron. Mr Tripp was re-elected president. The Conference adopted the Canterbury remit recommending absolute prohibition of the use of auto-loading guns for feather imported and native game. On the recommendation of the North Canterbury Society, it was decided to recommend a minimum penalty for illegal shooting of game of £lO for each head of game taken.