WESTLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1927, Page 1

WESTLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

THURSDAY, SEPT. Ist. MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society took place at the 'County Chambers at 7.35 p.m. Present: Messrs G. A. Perry (President). W. Braddon, H. Wells, A. NancekiveLl, 11. Stuart, Garnet Perry, 11. Paterson, B. Appleton, W. Peek and I). J. Evans. Apologies for absence of Dr Teiehelmann and Mr J. J. Mclntosh wore made. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. The outward correspondence was read and approved. IXWA RD CORRESPONDENCE. From Auckland Society forwarding sample copy of a Bangers’ Guide Book, copies of which were available at one shilling each, for the instruction of district guides.—Received and resolved to procure half a dozen copies for local use. From Postmaster notifying payment of £l2l 8s proceeds of last year’s deer licenses to the credit of the Society’s .account. —Received with thanks. From Department' of Internal Affairs. circular stressing the importance of enforcing the opossum regulations regarding stamping and sale of skins.—Received, it being explained that the Department, had given permission for the rules to be relaxed in some eases. From same explaining exceptional circumstances in which the regulations had been relaxed temporarily and stating that the Society’s revenue would bo protected fully also adding it was not considered necessary n. broker should take out a license where be does not operate.—Received. It was stated that the latter conclusion operated adversely to local brokers who complied with the regulations, and it was suggested further representations should be made to tlie Department on the matter for tlio proper conservation of local revenue and business. It was decided to write further -expressing tlie opinion that relaxation of tlio regulations was likely to lead to abuse, and that in particular brokers should not be allowed to buy from any district unless holding a license for that district. Otherwise the regulation would act adversely upon local brokers through whose business the Society was assured of full royalty returns. Front F. Thornton, M.A., Wellington College, indicating proposals to establish a periodical on the lines of the English “Fishing Gazette,” and enquiring as to probable local support. Received and list of licenses for fishing and game to be supplied. From Grey District Society forwarding £34 8s Bd, half cost of hatchery maintenance to date, and expressing pleasure at progress of hatching.—Received with thanks. From P. Kinvar and E. Lloyd offering to lilterate free 200,000 fry in upper reaches of the A rah lira River.— Received and accepted with thanks. From North Gmtcfbury Society forwarding cony of 63rd. annual report.— Received with thanks. From Ooulls, Somerville. Wilkie Ltd. Wellington, .notifying proposed issue of 32 coloured post cards advertising, principal scenic resorts, and including Franz Josef Glacier and Lake Mahinapua, and asking co-operation in furthering the sale and distribution—Received, and if sample satisfactory, a supply be oidercd of local scenic views for distribution through schools to- bo sent oversets for advertising purposes. From J. Failks, Pembroke, enquiring if license to shoot deer in the Thomas Range would he available next season.—lecoived, to be advised applications will be invited and to explain nontion regarding the Thomas Block." From John H. Edmond, Dunedin, enquirirg particulars in regard to deer shootinf regulations for next season. —Received, to l>o advised applications would io invited for the end of November when blocks would he balloted for. Fron J. Forbes, Christchurch, roeommmding 22 licenses at £5 each for Kuii.li Westland deer stalking, and statiig Colonel Struth, of Derbyshire, related to Lord Bel per, would bo an applcnnf for n block.—Received, appliation to ho made accordingly for licenses, and stops ho taken to ad verity same in sporting journals. Troin Eric James. Makarora, statin: u breach of the Game Law had h.en reported to the police, and again aging liberation of opossums in South Y'estlnnil—.Received, and reply to bo gut that up to the present premission o liberate opossums was refused on i Cabinet decision.

From Houston and Coy., licensed brokers, reporting the purchase of 2.357 opossum skins during August.— Received.

From Stmnacli. Morris and Coy., Dunedin, advising sale of 110 opossum skins from 'Westland, prices ranging from 3s Id to 12s lid each.- Received .

From Dalgety and Coy., Dunedin, notifying receipt of 617 opossum skins from' Westland, and supplying particulars of sales, ranging from 3s 6d to 17s lOd.—Received. From W. Jeffries and Coy'., htlvisng purchase of 82 opossum skins from local trappers.—Received. From D. C; Finch. Kailiinu, applying for trapper’s statement form for 1926. —Received and forms not available.

From Postal Department notifying issue of one trapper's license for August.—Received. the Secretary stated further enquiry was being made. From C. Hodgkin son, Hawen Flat, accepting offer to do culling at 2s 6d per head, plus Government subsidy.— Received. From Eric James, Makarora, replying that the liberation of brown trout fry in the upper Haast would be attended to when same was available from Pembroke, and again urging attention to Haast Pass route. Received with thanks, work to be further urged. GENERAL. Accounts to the amount of £IOO 13s wore passed for payment (including cost of ova from Southland) half the amount being payable by the GreySociety. The Chairman referred to the advantage it would be were opossums liberated in the southern district. A very valuable industry could be established. The breed should be improved and enquiry made as to the best sorts to liberate. It was decided to make further representations on the matter to the Government. The Chairman thought while the Hntcherv was in use some experiments with regard to the growth of whitebait should be carried out. If a supply of fish -were deposited in one of

the ponds their growth and habits could iho watched more closely and some information of value might he obtained. It was resolved that arrangements he- made to earn' out the proposal as -soon as there was a run of whitebait locally. The Chairman referred also to the progress of Dorothy Falls track, and suggested the Government lie asked to supply additional men to absorb unemployed. Tlio matter was referred to the Secretary to make enquiry. The meeting concluded at 8.15 p.m.