ACCLIMATISATION CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11491, 26 January 1903, Page 8

ACCLIMATISATION CONFERENCE.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGBAM.) WELLINGTON, January 23. A representative Conference of Acclimatisa/tion Societies opened to-day. Mr C. A. Fitzroy, of Hawke's Bay, presided. The object was to consider the formation of an association of the societies, and, if determined on, to formulate rules. Mr Fisher (Canterbury) mov«d that the Association be formed, and said it was suggested that it should exist in Wellington.

Mr Andrew (Wellington) moved an amendment, that in lien of an Association an annual conference be held at Wellington, considering it would be difficult to find men able to devote sufficient time t«> the afiairs of the Association, and that it might clash ■with the intereste of individual societies.

The amendment was negatived, and a New Zealand Association formed. This afternoon's conference will consider the constitution of ttra new Association.

On the motion of the Chairman, it was resolved —"That it is desirable there should be uniform fishing licensee of each class throughout the colony." It was decided that the fees for adults be 20s, women ss, boy« ss; societies to be empowered to issue half-season licenses at not lees than 2s 6d, no license to be issued except for cash or for services rendered.

With regard to shooting licenses the Conference resolved that licensee for shooting imported and native game, except deer, be issued at 20s, and power be obtained for societies to endorse iioensea. A proposal to recommend that a gun tax be imposed was withdrawn. The objects of the Association were agreed to be—To further acclimatisation and improve the management of acclimatisation matters throughout New. Zealand, to foster and encourage acclimatisation sflrough societies, to .represent and further the wishes of societies, and to assist the Government in framing and passing legislation for the furtherance of acclimatisation work.

After discussion as to the mode of considering the rules and constitution, it was decidea to refer the majority to the Committee. It was agreed that the Association shall be called the New Zealand Acclimatisation Association, with headquarters at Wellington, and shall be composed of two members from each of the Metropolitan Societies, aod one from each, of the other affiliated societies.

Mr Begg moved—"That it be a recommendation to the societies, with a view to coping with the destruction of small birds, t<» introduce the owl, magpie and jay.' This was negatived.

The Conference decided to ask the Government to instruct the police to assist in putting down poaching. It was resolved that the opening of the season for shooting native and imported game be uniform throughout the colony, viz., from Mar Ist to July 31»t. Bra large majority it was decided that owners of land only be allowed to shoot free, and that the clause allowing a transfer to a deputy be expunged from the Act.

The Conference adjourned at 10 p.m. mi til 2 p.m. to-morrow.

WELLINGTON, January 24. The Acclimatisation Societies' Conference sat again this afternoon.

The question of netting trout was reopened, and on the motion of Mr Lowe, the following resolution was carried unanimously:—"That the Conference desires to point out to the Government that work of the Acclimatisation Societies in the introduction of trout will in a very great measure be destroyed, and one of the greatest attractions to tourists done away with if netting is allowed in the lakes and at the mouths of various rivers, as witness the Tecent operations in Lakes Wakatipu and Rotorua. At the same time the Conference recognises that ths question of netting trout must be dealt with, but it strongly urges upon the Government not to allow netting of any kind except under the strictest regulations and supervision, and after consultation with the local Acclimatisation Societies."

A resolution was also adopted in favour of the export of trout being prohibited.

On the recommendation of the Southland Society, a suggested amendment to the Fisheries Act was passed, prohibiting deleterious matter from any sawmill, factory, tannery, feilmongery, flaxmill, sheep dip. or boiling down digester, being deposited in streams.

The rules for the formation of the New Zealand Acclimatisation Society were adopted, and the folowing honorary officers elected for the cumnt year :«e-Preei-dent, Mrs J. B. Fisher (Canterbury), vicepresident, Rev. J. C. Andrew (Wellington); weaeurer, Mr L. Qr .Reir (Southland); secretary, Mr Yon Stunner.