OTAGO ANGLERS

Evening Star, Issue 23376, 20 September 1939, Page 7

OTAGO ANGLERS

ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL REPORT

The annual report of the Otago Anglers’ Association states;— The past season was only good in parts. The earlier mouths found most rivers low and the weather cold and unsuitable for angling in general. However, conditions improved in the latter months of the season. Tomahawk La-

goon proved a most popular rendezvous for local anglers, especially at the latter end of the season, both lagoons providing excellent sport and the fish were in good condition. Weed at times proved most troublesome. Another popular water was the Pomahaka. It gave the usual good results, with fish from 21b to 4lb most abundant. The Shag was again fished apd usual medim-sized trout were secured. The Waipori River was greatly affected by certain work being carried out at the headwords, and a great deal of silt was deposited. With the work now completed, conditions should be improved this coming season. Mahiiierangi Lake did not provide the sport looked for, but as much new ground was submerged by heavy rain, better fishing should be had. Prospects are bright for the season ahead, as with wet winter and the amount of snow still in the bads; country plenty of water should be the order for the first few months at least. During the season the usual series of competitions were held and met with splendid support, both by donors of prizes and competitors. The Shag River was used on two occasions and two keen contests were held. J. Rhodes secured one first with six fish 41b 2oz, and A. Mitchell a second with seyen fish 41b. The second meeting on this river was for the Levido Cup, which went to E. King, nine fish 51b lOoz; E. Levido, the donor of the cup, was second, nine fish 51b 2oz. A gold medal competition for medals presented by the Otago Acclimatisation Society was held on the Waipahi and was well supported. E. J. Speden secured first, four fish 81b 12oz, and second by H. Mason, four fish 71b 13oz. The association once again promoted a boys’ competition on the Leith.

The Spears Memorial Cup was competed for' on the Tomahawk Lagoon and was won by R, F. Peters with two fish Gib 4oz. O. Williams was second, taking 4 fish 4ib 2oz. The annual weekend outing to the Pomahaka was voted a decided success. The usual competitions were held, W. W. M'Farlane being most successful, winning both the dry fly and any hait competitions, as well as annexing the Griffiths Cup. I. M'Farlane secured second on both occasions. E. Levido was winner of the Waikouaiti River competition with 10 fish 71b, and J. Rhodes, who was second (five fish ojlb). was also successful in winning the Finlayson Memorial Cup. For the first time two interchip events were held and both these were won by the association. The first was held on the Shag with the Oamaru Club and the second against the Mosgiel Club on the Pomahaka. These were innovations, and no doubt will help to foster good friendship between the clubs mentioned.

The association forwarded a strong protest to the society against the control of fishing and shooting in New Zealand. Viewing the matter from all angles, it is impossible to see where any improvement could be shown except with research work, and as license fees have already been increased and no results or reports about any activities in that direction can be secured, it is doubtful if any such control could improve the service now given gratuitously by members of acclimatisation societies throughout Now Zealand without a big increase in license fees.