WESTLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1926, Page 1

WESTLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

A general meeting of the above was held at the County Chambers at < .33 o’clock last evening. Present: Dr Teiclielmann (President): Messrs G. H. Blank, C. Cedernian, •H. Parry, AM Beck, J. Foote, G. A. AVood, C. Berendt, AA r . Clietwynd, C. R. Gaylor, R. Patterson. A. Armstrong. J. J- McIntosh, J. Alclntosli, H. Wells, Caltrop, D. J. Evans. The Chairman welcomed the new members present, and said in the interim the work of the Society had been carried on. The loss of the caretaker’s residence at the lakeside hatcher\ had curtailed the work of the Society, and it was found necessary to dispose of the launch etc. This had reduced activties to some extent, hut there was still much to do. An Acclimatisation Society could be of groat bencut to tlie district, and the work done in Regard to tourist matters was mentioned. AVith those present it should he pasible to form an enthusiastic Council to further the work of ncclimatiation in the district. Mr D. J. Evans (lion Sec.) reported regarding the liiuinces which wore in a better position now than formerly. Certainly they had realised on some of their assets, hut there were further opportunities now of looking tor additional income. The doer stalking operations entailed considerable work, hut in’that- connection the Society had much valuable help from Air J. Forbes of Christchurch. Deer culling in the Haast region was lieing carried out by C. Hddgkinsou of Otago, and this work was to be continued, as it was an arrangement with the. Department of Internal Affairs to apply the license fees to the culling. Tlie deer herd in that locality was well established and was a good herd, and further attention to tlie culling would have to he continued. Poaching had attention of late. In conjunction with the police the district had been patrolled, and ■naveral informations had been laid. The fines recovered would more than repay the cost incurred. There was a suggestion to unite with tlie Buller and Gray Societies in regard to appointing a ranger jointly for tlie three districts, and the Council to he appointed that evening would go into the. matter. ,

The balance shoat for the period ended March, 1920. showing a. credit halanco of £132 was read and after a short discussion was adopted. It was resolved that fishing and shooting licenses cover membership to the Society. The ordinary membership fee was fixed at os without fishing or shooting privileges in season. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Dr Tteiehclmann, having expressed a wish to withdraw rom the presidency owing to Lis contemplated absence from tlie district for n period, Air G. 11. Blank was elected President on the motion of Air AVood, seconded by Air Paterson.

Dr Teiclielmann was glccted A T icePresident and a vote of thanks accorded for past services as President.

Hon Secretary : Air D. J. Evans was elected, and on the motion of Dr Teiclielmann, seconded by Mr Mclntosh, a vote of thanks was recorded for past services. The following were elected to the Council:—Messrs .T. J. Mclntosh, W. Bracldon, J. Foote, A. Armstrong, AVPeck, G. A. Wood, C. Berendt, H. Parry, R. Paterson, C. R. Gaylor, C. Gaderman and H. AA r ells. It was, resolved to meet monthly on the first Thursdays in each month. GENERAL.

Reference was made to the proposal to construct a road along the banks of Mahinapua Creek reserve, and tbe reported demand on behalf of the Golf Club to claim half cost of fencing involved. R was resolved to refer the matter to the County Council with a request- to accept any liability regarding fencing involved by the contruction of the road. The Secretary was asked to arrange for a. supply of ova to the best advantage, and arrangements be made to accept the offer with regard to hatching.

Arising out of the foregoing the question of .sawdust in streams was raised, and provoked some general discussion. Eventually 'it was resolved on the motion of Air Armstrong, seconded by Dr Teicbelmann that the matter he referred to the Council to keep the matter in mind with a view to abating the nuisance. The matter of appointing rangers for the ditriet was discussed. It was resolved to nominate .T. Foote as a ranger to watch fishing interests in the"Hokitika- district. The question of a district ranger is to be considered iwter. The President and Secretary ware appointed to sign cheques, and make any necessary arrangements about the banking account. The Chairman referred to the illicit taking of opossums, and the harm done to the industry by the practices pursued. Ti appeared it would he necessary to close the season for a year or two. The Secretary said the Forestry officers were of that opinion also, and probably it would be necessary to close tbe season for two or three years. Requests were made for the- introduction of opossums into South Westland, and enquiry was to he made into the matter. The Chairman suggested also the introduction of new blood, including the better kinds of opossums, as most of the skins taken now were of a very common class. After a general discussion regarding various matters, tbe meeting closed at 9.10 p.m. with a vote of thanks to the chair.