West land Acclimatisation Society.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1922, Page 1

West land Acclimatisation Society.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

A general meeting of the Council o' the above Society was held at tin

County Chambers at 7.40 last evening. Present: Messrs D. J, Evans (Chairman), J. King (lion, secretary), A. Ti King, J: J. Mclntosh, A. 11. Boyd, T W. Bruce, W. Braddon, J. Rooney, mid Dr Teiclielmnnn.

The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward Correspondence approved. rNWARD CORItKSPONDENCH. From Internal Affairs Department

forwarding forms for registration of tin Society under the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1922.—Received, to lie attended to.

From (Ley Society, stating 250,00 ft

trout ova were lieing procured from Christchurch, and asking same hr

hatched at Lake Kanieri on the usual conditions.—Received and agreed to. From Same, reporting it was intended to partly stock the Teremaknu rivci with trout fry, and asking contribution towards cost.—Received, action deferred, funds not being available at present.

Fro ip Fisheries Department, stating

-100,000 quinuat salmon ova were being sent to Lake Kanieri for batching, and asking assistance from Society.—Received and granted. It was stated Mr Arson and assistant was expected to arrive next week with the ova. From Southland Society, forwarding copy of annual report and balance sheet* —Received.

Emm Department of Lands and Survey, reporting in res|>eel to reserve at Lake Kanieri.—Received with thanks. From North Canterbury and Otago Societies, offering trout ova. —Received, no space available for further hatching this season. Eroni Internal Affairs Department, forwarding gazette notices under which opossums may be taken, and stating Mr Carter of Hokitika bad been appointed Inspector of skins; licensee 100 C'2 lOs ; also stating permission must lie obtained from Forestry officers to take opossums on forestry reservations.

Received, it was stated that there were a good many opossums ix>i»g taken for which it did not appear licenses had been issued.

From Same, slating the season for taking godwits had been fixed for February, March and April.—Received. Mr King said these birds were migratory usually arriving here about the time of the equinox in September, and departing about March. From Same, acknowledging receipts of file Society’s annual balance sheet. - Received.

From Tourist Department, withdrawing the grant £25 for the maintenance of the Tourist cottage at Lake Kanieri. Received, and representations to he made through Mr Seddon, M.P. to retain the amount, ns it was more necessary than ever to have the cottage well maintained. From Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd.. Dunedin, ordering a small supply of the publication, “Beautiful Westland.”— Received, and special quotation to lie made for a larger supply, Dr Teichclniann to interview the booksellers in Christchurch. . From Conservator of Forests, Hokitika, enquiring if any complaints had been made from sportsmen as to prohibition from entering State forests, and offering to assist in every way to stq>press poaching.—Received, the Conservator to be thanked for the offer in regard to poaching, and to state no complaints had boon made by sportsmen, but the shooting license prohibited entry on forestry resoivotj for the discharge oi tire arms. '■

From Treasury remitting Lib Bs, main!v lees lor deer shooting licenses. Received. . . From Post Offie, llokitika, notifying issue of game licenses, and one license to E. Appleton, for taking of opossums. Received. It was resolved to nqtily the police of the licensees for the taking of game and opossums, and to ask assistance in suppressing pouching. REGISTRATION of secretary . Mr .lames Kinh after fulfilling the office of honorary secretary for veins, tendered his resignation, ami asked’ to be relieved of the duties, promising Ids co-operation in tho Ultimo working of the Society. The Chairman moved the resignation be accepted with regret, and a most cordial vote of thanks bo recorded to Mi King for bis splendid work m the interests of acclimatisation over so mnuv wars. Mr Evans said it was some satisfaction to know that though losing Mr King’s services as secretary. |„. would continue a member ol Seoiotv. and they would have the benefit of'his advice and knowledge m he future in their work. Mr Kmg ml been closely identified with the Snu< > and find done yeoman’s work, earning the whole burden al times ' Mr W. Braddon seconded the motion with regret, realising Mu 1 ' i " 1 done long and faithful service t<» the Society and tbe community. Dr Teiebolmaiin supported the motion, and spoke of the assistance. Mr King had been in helping to advertise the district abroad. Air King bad been devoted to the work of acclimatisation, and bis work was worthy the highest appreciation. Mr Mclntosh desired to associate himself in the appreciation of Air King’s work as secretary, a'hl tho work of the Socioty had been well and enthusiastically carried out.

The motion was carried an<l Air King replied briefly thanking the members for their kind remarks ami the Society for the motion carried.

GENERAL. AY. Fogwoll, carfJlaker, reported on work for the past month, which included attention to the hatchery and tho Tourist cottage, and the re-erection o*' a, bridge at Dorothy waterfall where a late flood bad washed out the crossing. The Chairman reported that the engine for tho launch was almost ready for installation, and it was hoped to havo tho launch available for riintiin

very soon now. The other engino had been taken out and would be returned to town first available opportunity. Dr Tcichehnann was elected President and Mr Evans appointed Hon Secretary and the two gentlemen appointed to go into the finances of the Society; also to appeal for increased membership and public support. It was pointed out that while the Society had been of great value in the past, its future work with tho opening of direct rail communication would be more expansive still. It was stated that many sportsmen did not support the Society financially, though the fullest advantage was taken of the fish and game introduced. The time has arrived when greater public support was needed, and it was thought an appeal for more practical help could now be made with every confidence.

In regard to the reports of alleged poaching and illicit shooting of game and taking of fish in various parts of tile district, it was decided to request the rangers to lie more alert and to ask for the support of the police and Government rangers in preventing breaches of the game laws by nnlicensd per-

sons. The meeting concluded at 9 p.m