ACCLIMATISATION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18235, 20 November 1924, Page 10

ACCLIMATISATION.

NORTH CANTERBURY SOCIETY.

The Council of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society met last evening, Mr E. F. Stead presiding over a good attendance. The Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Mr L. F. Ayson, notified that Sir J. Digby, one of the Society's rangers, had been appointed an inspector of sea fisheries.

The chairman explained that the appointment authorised Mr Digby to deal with such cases as the illegal catching of undersized flounders. The New Zealand Acclimatisation Societies' Association forwarded a circular letter asking the Society:—(l) If it would be willing; to contribute to a combined effort to introduce suitable sporiinsz birds, and, if so, how much ? (2) What birds it thought should be introduced. If the funds were forthcoming, it was suggested that an expert should travel with the birds and look after them. The chairman stated that he would shortly be visiting America and Europe, and he believed that if he took about half a. dozen keas to New York lie would be able to get about a dozen ruffed grouse in exchange, which he could supervise on the voyage out to New Zealand. Another bird that was worth trying was the Eastern American snipe. There were very large areas in Canterbury eminently suitable for snine, and ; he believed the Society would be well justified in spending money on it. as it would be a valuable addition to fie game birds on Lake Ellesmere. . Mr M. H. Godby moved that the sum of" £IOO should be placed at the disposal of Mr Stead for the introduction of any birds he may think fit or can make arrangements for while in Europe or America, and that the Society offer the New Zealand Acclimatisation Association the sum of £IOO as a donation towards the introduction of birds to New Zealand. The motion was caxned, and it was further decided to suggest.to the New Zealand Association that the greywrmged partridge, chikhor (Indian partridge), ptarmigan and green plover should be introduced. . The WaiaDU Society wrote asking if wild rice "had been introduced into New Zealand as a food for wild fowl. In America it was used as a food for ducks. .'■".,,'■ t. j The chairman said that wild rice had been introduced in the southern portion of the west coast of .the North Island, but he did not think it would be a success in Canterbury. _ The> financial statement showed that the receipts during the past month had amounted to £324 Is 9d, and the payments to £233 7s. 9d. The credit balance stood at £253 2s 2d. Accounts amounting to £95 4s 5d were passed for payment.