ACCLIMATISATION CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 808, 24 January 1903, Page 2

ACCLIMATISATION CONFERENCE.

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, last night.

At the Acclimation Conference on the motion of the Chairman it was resolved : That it is desirable there should be a uniform fee for fishing licenses of euch class throughout the colony. It was decided that fees for adults be 20s, women Os, boys os, societies tu be empowered to issue half-season licenses at not less than 12s 6d, no license to be issued except for cash, or for services rendered. In regard to shooting lioeuses the Conference resolved that licenses for shooting imported and native game, except doer, bo issued at 20s, and power be obtained for societies to endorse licenses. A proposal to recommend that a gun tax be imposed was withdrawn. The objects of the Association were agreed to he to further acclimatisation and improve the management of acclimatisation matters throughout New Zealand, to foster and encourage acclimatisation through societies, to represent and further tho wishes of societies, and to assist Government in framing and passing legislation for the furtherance of acclimatisation work. After discussion as to the mode of oonsidering rules and constitution, it was decided to refer the majority to a committee. It was agreed that tho Association shall be called the New Zealand Acclimatisation Societies Association, with headquarters at Wellington, and shall be composed of two members from each of tho metropolitan societies, and one from each of the other affiliated societies. Mr A. Shury moved, “ That the netting and sale in the colony and the export of trout from the rivers and lakes in New Zealand bo absolutely prohibited, and that a strong representation be made to Government on the question.” Thero was a general consensus of opinion that the sale and export of trout would ruin fishing in the colony, Tho motion was carried unanimously. Mr Begg moved that it be a recommendation to the societies with the view of coping with the destruction of small birds to introduce tho owl, magpie, and jay, but this was negatived. The Conference decided to ask the Government to instruct tho police to assist in putting down poaching. It was resolved that the opening of the season for shooting nativo and imported game be uniform throughout the colony, viz., from May Ist to July 31st. By a large majority it was decided that owners of land only be allowed to shoot free, and that tho clause allowing a transfer to a doputy be expuDged from the Act. The Conference adjournod at 10 p.m. till 2 p.m. tomorrow.