Future Of Acclimatisation Societies Discussed

Press, Volume C, Issue 29511, 12 May 1961, Page 16

Future Of Acclimatisation Societies Discussed

The future of all acclimatisation societies would depend on the way in which their members worked together for the purposes for which the societies were found and for the duties which now devolved on them through various regulations, said Mr B. A. Caygill, former secretary of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, when he was made a presentation at Wednesday evening’s meeting of the society's council.

Mr Caygill said the societies’ days would be numbered if members did not work together. If they worked together, however, the society would be greatly strengthened. “We do not wish to see direct Government control

and it will not come about if the societies keep an eye on the main task that is theirs,” he said.

The president (Dr. D. McK. Dickson) paid tribute on behalf of the society’s council to Mr Caygill's services as secretary. Pheasant Liberations

Good progress in the liberation of pheasants in the acclimatisation society’s district was reported at the meeting.

A total of 190 pheasants had been released this season, said the game committee’s report. Thirty of the birds had been liberated at Akaroa, 58 at Pigeon Bay, 40 at Waipara, 33 in the Eyre County, 27 at Hororata, and two at Rangiora. “The game committee expresses its appreciation of the work of the staff responsible for this successful venture.” the report said. ‘‘The only pheasants now held at Greenpark are 20 hens and eight male birds. These are young birds reared this season and it is intended to retain them for breeding next season. They will be supplemented by eight more birds which arrived from the North Island in good condition on May 3.” said the report Correspondence had been received from several rabbit boards advising that they were using coloured dye in baits, and expressing their willingness to co-operate with the society. They suggested that they be advised of intended areas of game liberations, the game committee’s report concluded. Paradise Duck*

A recommendation that the wildlife branch of the Department of Internal Affairs be asked to carry out a survey of the breeding habits and the survival rate of Paradise ducks was made by the council. It will be referred to the society’s game committee.

Mr F. Gorton said it was noticeable that Paradise ducks suffered much greater losses of their young compared with other breeds, and this was seriously retarding their numbers. The council also received a resolution from the game committee that the decline of Paradise ducks in the society's district was not sufficient to warrant any change in the bird’s present status regarding shooting bag restrictions. The game committee’s report said the committee thought that if Canadian geese were placed on the licence there would be a marked increase in the Paradise duck population. This would result from a decrease in the slaughter of Paradise ducks in the flapper stage.

Water Ski-lng The setting aside of water-ski-ing areas in part of Lake Ellesmere near Hart’s creek, and in an area of Lake Forsyth between the narrows and the sea, was approved by the society on the recommendation of its fish committee.

Salmon Survey A motion that Technical Field Services be asked to undertake a survey of the salmon spawning areas in the near future, and if this could not be done that the society undertake its own survey, was passed.