ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2401, 15 December 1881, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

The usual monthly meeting of the Counoil of the above was held at 3 30 p.m. yesterday. Present—Hon. J. T. Peacock (president), Drs. Frankish and Britten, Messrs H.R. Webb, S. C. Farr (hon. sec), Aoland and Kimbell. The Secretary reported that the South Canterbury Society had purohased 7000 young trout at the price mentioned in the resolution of the Counoil. The Secretary brought under the notice of the Counoil the unauthorised oatohing of birds by men. Under clause 20 of the Act a penalty of £2O was liable to be imposed on any one catching the imported birds without the license of the Colonial Secretary. It was resolved—" That the secretary communicate with the Government, with a view to some steps being taken to prevent the wholesale capture of the imported birds." The secretary reported that some 3000 fish had been sent to the Upper Selwyn. Some accounts were passed for payment. Some discuision ensued as to the destination of the deer recently arrived from Australia. It was suggested that they should be sent to Culverden, where the does were already running. After some discussion, it was agreed that the deer be sent to Culverden, the secretary to communicate with Lady Wilson and Mr L. Harper, the trustees in the estate of the late Sir O. Wilson, as to the Society retaining their right over the deer and their progeny. A letter was read from Glentunnel, asking whether it was legal, under the Act, for fishing to be carried on during Sundays. It was now made a regular sportsman's day at Whitecliffs by many from Christchurch. The secretary stated that he had replied that there was nothing in the Aot to prevent fishing on Sundays. A letter was read from Mr T. L. Barker asking whether pheasants could be got here for sending over to Victoria, and whether private persons oould catch them on their own account. It was resolved—" That the secretary inform Mr Barker that the seoretary could supply young pheasants whioh would stand the journey, in about two months." A letter was read from the Waitaki County Council, asking for information with regard to the Californian trout, and also whether the society could let them have a few tench. The secretary stated that he had replied, giving the information regarding the Californian trout, and also stating that tenoh could be supplied at £2 per hundred. A letter was read from Mr Tripp, detailing what he had done with regard to liberating trout in the Orari and Waihi. The secretary reported that they had some 7000 or 8000 fish left, and they were now dying very fast in oonsequence of the growth of the fish. Some 4000 had been liberated in the Avon, and the question was, what they oould do with these fish ? The President suggested that they should turn out more fish in the Avon, so as to afford more sport near Christchurch to the license holders. Dr. Britten thought that it wonld be as well to let the public know how many trout had been turned out in the Avon during the past five years. The seoretary said that, from first to last, some 20,000 fish had been turned out in the Avon. After some discussion, it was resolved to place 3000 more fish in the Avon, and 1000 in the Upper Heathoote.—The seoretary reported that an applioation had been made to him for a Lignrian queen, for the purpose of hybridising with the blaok bee, or for some cells. As he was of opinion that the bees were not being properly managed at the gardens, he also proposed to have a hive of Ligurian bees whioh he would take care of for the sooiety.—The Council agreed to grant the request for a hive of the Ligurian bees.— In reply to Dr. Frankish, the seoretary stated that roughly the proceeds of sale of fish amounted to £6O for the season.—After transacting some further routine business, the Council adjourned.