ACCLIMATISATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2135, 18 July 1907, Page 4

ACCLIMATISATION.

Press Association. WELLINGTON, yesterday. The fifth annual conference of Acclimatisation Societies was opened to-day. The chairman, Mr L. Tripp, in his report, dwelt on the necessity for consolidation of the Animals Protection Act, and on tlio importance of greater provision of sanctuaries for native birds. All islands off the coast may be used for this purpose, as well as areas on the mainland which could also bo niado valuable scenic reserves. He entered a protest against the slaughter of native birds, and said more aid from the police was wanted. The Minister of Justice, however, had promised additional assistance would be given by the pblice. The Wellington Society had met with success in breeding pheasants and other birds, and could supply other societies at low rates. The balance-sheet showed a credit of« CM.

The following officers were elected : President, L. Trim) (Wellington); Vice-president, C. A, 'Fitssltoy (Nnl>ier); Council, I!. Chisholm and Tl. Forrest (Otago), Dr. Lewis and ji. U". I’eyton (Auckland), K. N. Lefliton (Wanganui). W. S.vmc (Taranaki). J. Rutherford (South Cnnterluirv), Dr. IMoorliouse (Canterbury), Feldwick (Southland), A. J. Rutherford and Dr. Faulke (Wellington); treasurer, L. J. Reid; secretary, Von SI tinner; auditor, G. B. Hall. A resolution was carried confirming the advisability of preventing the use of living birds as decoys for duck shooting. It was decided to ask the Government to declare Crown land on Stewart Island a bird and game sanctuary, also all coastal islands and national parks. A proposal that a gun license should be substituted for a shooting license was lost, but it was resolved that a shooting license should be only issued to persons over 15 years.