Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1927, Page 1

Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society.

THUDS DAY, P HIT. MB Fit Ist

The Council sat at 7.it) p.m. Present: Dr Toicheliminii (\ ico-Presi-dent), Messrs D. .1. Appleton, It. Stuart. .). .1. Mclntosh, H. Wells, It. Paterson and 1). J. Evans. Apology was made for Air G. A. Perry, out, of town. The minutes ol the previous meeting were confirmed. The outward correspondence was read and approved. IX WA B P CO U B ESP OX D K XC’ E.

From Tourist- and Health Department replying that it was lie,pod in have matters in train ere long for the rebuilding ot tho Botirko hut. Haast Puss, and the Graham Bros had b • * asked for an estimate to build a bill on Chancellor Didge. fox Glacier. Deceived. It was resolved to communicate with Messrs Graham to luue the matter-; arranged. From same accepting offer of a simple of the Society’s booklet. “Baaitfific AYostlandfor distribution through the New Zealand offices and the Australian agencies for advertising purposes.—Deceived. Tt was stated a case of booklets had been forwarded to Wellington this week. From Department of Internal Alfalifi acknowledging eorresixindetiee regarding the stamping ot opossum skins, and stating the continuation of the regulations was under consideration.—Deceived. It was explained it was of importance to the Society and local brokers that the regulations should stand, and it was decided to write the (Jrev and Duller Societies on the matter. asking their co-operation in support of the regulations. From same stating the suggestion for an open season for opossums next, year was under consideration.—Deceived.

From Treasury forwarding £•" amount ol line collected for broach ol the Fisheries Act.- Deceived will thanks. From Deceiver of Opossum Bovonuo Hokitika, stating additional skins received brought the total for AA’ostland district up to 1:1,2(55 skins.—Deceived. It was stated this was a substantial in-

crease on the previous season, and it was thought the stamping of the skins in locality of recovery had a good deal to do with the increase shown. From Conservator of Forests, Hokitika. approving of suggested dates next year for opossum season if same is to lie an open one.—Deceived. Tho dates suggested were 11th. June to llth. August, two months instead of three last season. From Grey District Society stating a close season for opossums was favoured for next year, but if an open season be deeded upon tbe dates suggested by AVestland would be satisfactory.—Deceived. Tt was resolved to explain the local position to llio Grey Society.

From ITarihari Farmers’ Union, favoring llio liberation of opossums in .South Westland, and expressing the hope that, the Department would consent to the introduction of the opossums.—Deceived. Tt was decided to send a copy to the Department and again urge further liberation in the southern districts. From T. F. A’. Sodden, ALP.. several communications regarding vesting the Am burn river in the Native Trustee in which event fishing bv pakelms would ho prohibited.—Deceived, The Secretary reported as a result of Hie communications and protest made, trout fishing would he jierinitted. Tho Grey Society had been notified of the situation, and bad co-operated in the representations to the member. It bad been explained that the Society had stocked the river with fish over many years, and only lately had placed 70,000 fry in the river. The river was noted for the presence of trout, and was a. fine breeding stream for trout. Fish wore numerous there now, and fry was abundant in the river also. The fish having been acclimatised by the funds of the fishermen, it was felt an embargo should not be placed on licensed Europeans fishing the river, and this was pressed for at the suggestion of the Society. The action was approved, and thanks accorded for the co-operation of Air Boddon and the Grev Society. From Grey District Society forwarding cheque for half cost of conducting Lake, Knnieri hatchery.—Deceived with thanks.

From Erie James, Malcnroa. .suggesting a short advertisement in the Fishing Gazette.—Deceived, and £l, voted for small advertisement. From Department of Internal Affairs invit.ng recommendations with respect to open game season for 1928.—Deceived. It was resolved to recommend that same be open for a period of three months from the Ist. May next, tbe license fee to be £1 per gun ; all native and imported game, other than moose absolutely protected to be taken. Licenses to be issued from district post offices.

GENERAL. Some of those present who had seen the screen advertising of AA r estlaiid in Christchurch, commented* favorably on the attractive matter, and it was resolved to vote the Progress Deague £ls towards the cost of an additional month’s display. The Chairman referred to flic* fact that the booklet “A Holiday in AVcstland” was now almost out of print, and suggested support to a further edition. A vote of £35 was passed to cover Hie cost of 1003 copies, subject to a similar amount being raised locally for a second ICOO.

Ft was derided to inquire as to llir cost of Californian quail ami Canadian geese for liberation in suitable localities in "Westland, and to consider the matter further on receipt of the information at a later meeting. Mr Mclntosh urged the expenditure of the vote for the Unntapu-Mahinnpun road, stating the completion of the work would he a great boon to vi~itors. and would lead to Lake Mnhiiiapua again becoming a popular resort. Mr Wells supported. It was resolved to communicate with the authorities and ifrge the authorisation of the work now that the money is on the Estimates. Mr Mclntosh thought the boating route to Lake Mahinapua should he re-opened also. He stated if a motor vehicle road were available to the railway bridge crossing Mahinapua Creek by putting the road in order from South Hokitika road, launches could he used regularly-for aquatic trips to the lake, and a vorv nopular resort in former times would again he liberally patronised. It was resolved to ask the County Council to have a report prepared on the cost of placing the short length of road in question in order for motor traffic., with facilities for parking near the railway bridge.

The question of improving the turnout and parking place at Sunny Bight. Lake Knnieri, was referred to the Secretary to report. It was reported the run of whitebait this year bad been most satisfactory and there a.s no occasion to suggest a close season next year. The whitebait in captivity at Hi ■ hatchery for experimental purposes were being closely watched. So far there was nothing special to report in regard to the fish, which were apparently still normal. DEED STALKING— I! AA ST !! EC HON. The following is the result of tbe ballot for tho deer-stalking blocks in South AVestland for next season : Block 1 Norman Campbell. Cheviot .. 2—ll. D. Humphrey:*, Botnrun 3— Godfrey Williams. England ~ .1 Colonel Strutt. England 5—K. Dalrymplc. Buiigitikci ~ o—fJ. Afcllraitli. Christchurch I Count Cini. England B—D. Wilson. Dangitikei .. f)—l. V. McLeod, Ma ri inhoro ~ 10 John Cron. I laast. In all there arc 22 rillos allowed for at £5 each, the total fees'being £llO. Tbe meeting concluded at 8.30 p.m.