Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1928, Page 4

Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6th., 192 S

Tho Council of the above Society met at the County Chambers at 7.30 p.m. Present:—Dr Teiehelmaim (President), Messrs J. J. Mclntosh, A. C. Armstrong, It, Paterson, G. Howe, Jas. King, E. J. Lloyd, C. Berendt, H. T. Parry. Apology was made for absence of Mr Garnet Perry.

Tho minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and the outward correspondence was approved.

INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Whitcomb and Tombs, forwarding prospectus of “ Birds ol the Water, Wood, and Waste,” just published.—Received and laid on table. From Internal Affairs Department asking particulars of prosecutions lasi year for breaches of the Game Act. Received and supplied. From same stating reports had beet received in Wellington of illegal shoot ing of native pigeons on West Coast, and inquiring as to the action taken by (he Society in the matter.—Received. The Secretary indicated the nature of the reply sent, and the action taken, after consultation with the President, was approved. From same acknowledging report regarding alleged shooting ol pigeons and thanking the Society for the action taken.—Received. The Department indicated it would consider the matter of sending a ranger into the district. It was stated also the police were co-operating in the matter. In reply to a question it .was explained no person had the right to shoot native game in season without a license whether the game was oil his holding or not.

From same asking that copies ot annual reports oi the Society ho forwarded to tho New Zealand office, London.—Received. to he complied with. From same giving Societies permission to authorise persons to destroy deer when considered necessary. Received. It was stated taking of deer without a permit was illegal. In justifiable cases permits would lie issued. From same offering supplies of rainbow ova and fry from Rotorua. Received and filed.

From Chief Inspector of Fisheries with regard to supply o quinnat ova. Received, ft was stated 600,000 had bo?n ordered.

From me string at lead -100,000 would be scat in charge of C. L. Ay so n, and granting the use ol baskets.—Received.

From -Marine Department to the same effect, indicating the ova was to restock Lake Kanieri and the headwaters of Hokitika River.—Received. Members expressed satistaetiou with the action of the Department. The ova is expected this month, and the Hatchery is now being prepared for reception.

From Southland Society repaying that brown trout ova could not be supplied till late in August, and asking instructions. —Received. It was decided to await the supply and meantime enquire what could be obtained from Otago and Canterbury Societies at ail earlier date, and it possible have an interim supply dealt with. From Director of Forestry stating the further liberation of opossums in Westland had been referred to the Department of Internal Affairs with a favourable recommendation.— Received with thanks.

From Commissioner of State I'crests stating the question of the introduction or liberation of opossums had recently been considered by Cabinet, which decided adversely.—Received' with regret.

From Department of Internal Affairs notifying opossum season would open in Westland district from 11th June to lltli August, forwarding copy of regulations and permit forms ; trappers’ licenses would be available from the postal authorities at • Hokitika and Kuiiinia. It was further stated that all skins taken must be stamped in the district where obtained.— Received. From a number ol occupiers asking for permission to trap opossums oil various areas.— Received and grained for issue from the 11th inst. lhe matter of inspecting trapping on private lands was suggested and is to be considered. Rerinit* apply only to Hie areas covered by the permit. As the number trapping this season is likely to be increased, a general inspection of trapping grounds will be made to see that all persons are licensed. 'lhe season opens on Monday next. From Postal Department notifying additional shooting licenses were issued to the following:—C. J. King, F. li. Lewis, 11. T. Parry. H. J. Seebeck, G. Rowley, G. Robertson, J. W. Hayward.—Received.

From same notifying opossum trapping licenses were issued to the following:—J. Melinrry, J. Ilonas, 0. Morris, AY. Owens, AA'm. Holly, P. H. Olsen, T, H. Martin, A. Gold., From X.Z. Acclimatisation Societies’ Association notifying annual meeting in AYellington about September Ist, asking for name and address of delegate, and requesting remits be forwarded not later than duly .‘list.—Received and appointment of delegate deferred for the present. In view of local interests in regard to acclimatisation matters, it was considered advisable the Society should bo represented. From Godfrey Williams in iiaast district and forwarding £SO towards cost of a hut for ranger’s use in the valley.—Received with thanks. From Colonel Strutt also reporting on deer stalking and donating £lO for some convenience of a boat or otherwise for the use of stalkers.—Received with thanks.

Fi./m A. W. Jones and party reporting on stalking experiences in the' Oktini territory.—Received with thanks. The Secretary ,'eported conferring with Mr Forbes, who approved the but proposal which he suggested might be erected in the LattdsitotrwJgh., The matter was left over to awaits report from Ranger Hodgkinson as to location and facilities for erection.

From “Auckland Weekly News” reporting as to advertising in the Christmas number. —Received. A general discussion took place regarding advertising the district. The meeting was in favour of a monetary grant up to £35. and the President, Mr King, and the Secretary were appointed a subcommittee to go into the matter and arrange with local advertisers who cared to co-operate. From Eric James, Mnkarora, regarding stalking areas, and tourist uoik via the ilanst Pass.— Received with thanks. It was resolved to arrange to supply 24 scenic slides for advertising purposes to bo used in connection with Mr James’ proposed lectures. As arrangements were made lor culling deer no further contract could be entered into.

From Peter Webster asking that the Araliura river track be cleared for opossum trappers ' and estimating the cost at £lo.—Received and in view ol the precedent which would bo established, the expenditure could not be incurred.

From J. Harvey urging that deer be culled in the Araliura district where they are plentiful of late.—Received and resolved to grant a permit in the terms of the regulations for deer culling, reports to be supplied of the deer killed. GENERAL. It was decided to hold the next Council meeting on Wednesday, Jmy 4th. The President was authorised to sign cheques in conjunction with the Secretary. Accounts to the amount of £ll 9s 0d were passed lor payment. On the motion of Mr Mclntosh, seconded by Mr Parry, it was resolved to write the Highways Council asking the turn-out over-looking Lake lantlie he metalled.

Mr G. Howe referred to the practice of laying poison in the bush for opossums' and stated the effect on the native birds. After discussion, Mr King moved and Mr Lloyd seconded that a reward of £2O lie offered for information with regard to any person laving poison, the reward to be payable upon conviction of the offenders. It was decided to make further enquiry regarding the introduction ol Californian goose and quail; also to offer Is per head for shags’ heads. The matter of a genera] visit of the Committee to Lake Kanieri was deferred to next meeting. The meeting concluded at 9.10 p.m.