ACCLIMATISATION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 222, 13 June 1919, Page 5

ACCLIMATISATION

CONFERENCE OF SOUTH ISLAND SOCIETIES. By Tclcnrapii—Press Association Christchurch, Juno 12. A conference of representatives of South Island acclimatisation societies was opened to-day. "That tho Government be recommended to prohibit worm and creeper fishing iu all rivers throughout Now Zealand up to December 1" was a remit from the South Canterbury Society. Mr, Milton (South Canterbury) said his society was of opinion that protection was needed against worm fishing during the early months of tho season, because then tho fly was ineffective, whilst the worm was deadly. As no unanimous decision could bo arrived at, no action was taken with regard to the remit. Another remit from the_ South Canterbury Society was to the effect that boys' licenses should be granted on tho terms that tliey be allowed to fish with a fly or minnow only. ls T o unanimous decision being reached, the remit was held over. However, it was decided that for the purposes of acclimatisation societies the agelimit of "boys" should be fixed at 1G years. The following remits were carried':— "That the Government be asked to instruct the police to take a more active part in tho suppression of game and fish JSic'tng; and, further, that rabbit and county inspectors be appointed rangers under the Animate Protection and Fisheries Act." "That , the Government be requested to prohibit all netting at the manths of rivers, except for piscicultural purposes." A remit was carried that rangers should have the right to search persons and buildings in cases under the Animals Protection Act, and also to search parcels in transit under tho Fisheries Act.

It was agreed that the Government be asked to arrange with the' Australian Government to protect the banded ilot-, tere] with a view to arranging ope,n and closed seasons concurrently in both, countries. ( It was decided to draw the attention of the Government to the indiscriminate uso of a pea-rifle, and that an endeavour bo made to import one or more species of plover from Australia,

It was agreed that the-North Canterbury, South Canterbury, Ashburton, Waimate, and Waitaki Acclimatisation Societies be asked to appoint one member each to a committee to draft a constitution of an amalgamated and reorganised society to be submitted to the various societies.

The Minister of' Marino is to bo asked to express his views on the subject, and to forward any suggestions that might form tho basis for discussion.