Westland Acclimatisation Society.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1922, Page 4

Westland Acclimatisation Society.

MONDAY, MAY Ist,

The General Committee met at the County Chambers at 7.J0 oelock, Present: Messrs Evans (chair), King (2), Royd, Bruce, Braddon, Mclntosh and Dr Teichelmann.

The- minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward correspondence approved, ENGINE FOR LAUNCH.

The Chairman reported that further experiments with the engine installed cm the launch had not been satisfactory and Mr Bassett, who was in attendance, would submit an offer for another

engine. Air Bassett said the engine he suggested was an 8 -h.lt, Brookes twin cylinder engine now at Mctuckn. He linil inspected the engine lately and was satisfied it would suit the requirements at I-ike Kanieri. Ho knew the engine and its capabilities well, and was prepared to imstal the engine which had its own shaft and propel lor, for £BS, payment to he made when the engine was running to Satisfaction. After discussion, during which it was explained that the loss of the launch was detracting from the attendance at the lake, and the resort was suffering in consequence, terms and finance were considered and it was resolved to accept Mr Bassett’s offer, and secure the installation of the engine as soon as circumstances would allow. IN WA HD COR RES PON DENCK.

The Southland Society wrote in respect to the introduction of Atlantic salmon into New Zealand rivers, and asked for a financial grant over a term of years to take up the importation of the ova. —Received and resolved to reply funds wore not available locally for the purpose. From Otago Society advising willingness to contribute £SO u year for three years towards the scheme to acclimatise Atlantic salmon.--Received. From Internal Affairs Department notifying the shooting season from May L, and stating native pigeon, paradi.su duck and puknki were absolutely protected; also defining areas under the Animals Protection Act and notifying sanctuaries; and prohibiting holders of shooting licenses going on private lands State Forests aud scenic reserves.—Received; the opinion was expressed that the limitation of areas for shooting licenses in Westland, left very little available eounti'v to shoot over. It wiis

resolved to point out the position to the Department and ask for redress. It uas stated the prohibitory conditions being imposed b.v the Department were being ignored, not only in the shooting season, but also at other times of the vear.

From P. R. Sargoad, Dunedin, applying for copies of “Beautiful Westland.”- Received; The .Secretary reported the sale of the publication was proceeding steadily. From Internal Affairs Department notifying embargo on the us,- of automatic- guns for shooting game, and a later message relaxing the condition's for tho present season,— Received.

Mr J. A. Mcl.cid, MaHinboroi.'gh asking to be included in the ballot for section next season .in the deer-stalk-ing areas of South Westland.—Received ; the Secretary slated the lUe season had not turned out very well for those engaged in the south. Tt was resolved to include applicant’s name in the ballot.

From State Forests Department stating the Department now controlled eight million acres of State Forests, and asking 'liformntioii in regard to the protection of native and imported fauna ■ Received ; Il was resolved to notify the number of licenses issued ami to ask what further information was required. GENERAL. A copy of the Forest Journal was re. ccived with thanks. \Y. Fogwell, caretaker, reported he had commenced duties at Lake Kanieri in April, and gave particulars of the In Hindi and the necessity of having same in running order; also stated repairs dune to hatchery and the clearing of tlie water races etc.—Received.

In reply to a question, Afr Braddon said the trapping of fish had not been very profitable. The work required close attention to give a _ satisfactory yield. It would he more satisfactory to expend the amount involved in buying imported ova. It was resolved to try this course this year, aud ascertain i the Grey Society would co-operate. The question of repairs to the tourist cottage was deferred foi: the present. The Secretary produced the annual balance sheet disclosing a debit balance of £257. The cause of the deficit was the second edition of “Beautiful AVestliind” which had come to hand during the year, and the hulk of the copies were still on hand. Tho finances were discussed at some length, and it was resolved to recover outstanding amounts due from the Government and local bodies totalling about C 75, and to press for the collection of subscriptions overdue. It was decided to take up the suggestion of helping with the proposed display of Westland photographs of local scenery during winter school week, the Chairman, Secretary and 7)r Teicliclinanu to be a. sub-committee. It was suggested Dr Teichelinann might also give a lantern display of AVestland scenery during one evening of the school session for the entertainment of the visitors. Afr Heart was asked to co-operate with the sul>-conimitteo in organising the photographic display. The meeting concluded at 9.10 p.m.