Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1929, Page 3

Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society

THURSDAY, MARCH 7th. The monthly meeting of the Council oi t/ie above Society was held at the county Chambers at 7.-It) p.m. Present: Messrs A. C. Armstrong (voted to the chair), Yv. Braddon, it. Stuart, R, ' Paterson, G. Howe, E. J. Lloyd, G. Perry, J. King and D. J. Evans (lion. [ see.) ' 'the mimics of the previous meeting were confirmed. ) 'J ne outward correspondence was read aim approved. 5 LY\\ ARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Prime Minister, replying that lie was looking into the matter of road ’ access to Franz Josef Glacier face.— Received. From same stating matter of assistance to improve access to Lake Mahinapu was being looked into.—Received. From Internal Affairs Department regarding the presence of paradise duck, and asking if there was any objection to an open season of not more than one week.—Received. The Secretary stated a reply had lieen sent favourable to a short season, paradise duck being numerous in some parts. This was approved. From same regarding deer culling of W’aitnki herd, which was now invading idle West Coast.—Received. From State Forest Service, on the same subject, and stating a- conference was likely to be held after Easter to go into the matter of culling.—Received. The- opinion was expressed that a conference was hardly necessary, as intensive culling would meet the position. From N.Z. Native Bird Protection Society, approving of proposal for distribution of posters relating to the protected birds.—Received. From North Canterbury Society agreeing to supply five pair of Canadian geese.—Received. It was reported these had oome to hand, and had been distributed among members who had volunteered to take care of the birds. From N.Z. Acclimatisation Societies’ Association, stating that the matter of iiolding a scientific enquiry into the question of the damage to forests and native birds by opossums, was in hand, and supplying particulars of the steps taxon; a-liso supply fug nep'ort from Sydney Gardens on the matter.—Received. ! From same conveying reply of Department to the resolutions adopted at uie annual meeting ot the societies’ representatives in September last.— ueeeived. From ,*5. W.i R.idland, forwarding report on attendance at Curators’ ■conlerenco held in Wellington last month. —Received with thanks. From Grey District Society, agreeing to adopt the same season as Westland— June and July—for the opossum season. —Received and approved. From same, stating it was agreed to -o-operate with the West.and Society as beiore, in conducting the Hatchery on the same terms as last year.—Received. From Ranger Hodgkinson, \ reporting Haast track open for stalkers, and expecting good heads would be obtained this season.—Received. " v, From S. Bassett, reporting the expenditure of £luO would make, a great improvement to Mahinapiiii. Creek, but to do the work thoroughly would cost £260 to £6OO. Received. The Secretary stated £175 lmd been applied for to cover clearing the creek, and making a new landing and track approach. The action was approved. From Postal Department, supplying particulars of deer stalking licenses issued.—Received. From J. F. Andrews, replying regarding gate oil Hans Bay road, Lake Kanieri.—Received with thanks. NEW BUILDINGS. ’• ' The Public Works Department submitted a sketch plan of proposed shelter hut at Hans Bay. The building would provide for separate accommodation. The cost estimated, exceeded the vote available, and an expenditure of £lO in connection with the erection A the building was approved. The Hatchery Committee reported on a visit to the grounds, estimating the cost of improving same at £lB. In addition, it was recommended a full time curator lie engaged for whom it would he necessary to build a residence. sketch plan of a suitable building, estimated to cost £475 complete, was submitted. It was thought the Grey Society would bear half the cost of the annual upkeep of the Hatchery, under a full time curator. The matter was discussed, and it was agreed to submit the proposals to the Grey Society and ascertain what financial support would he given, when the whole matter would lie considered further Points were raised about the finance for a full-time curator over a period, and regarding the conservation of funds for the introduction of more opossums, if the Department allowed that to be done. These matters will he dealt with when the views of the Grey Society are ascertained. WHITEBAIT REGULATIONS. Mr Howe stated that he had lieen informed regulations affecting the talc, ing of whitebait were being framed, and that it was likely a license fee would he charged, while some restriction would lie placed on the duration of the season. In view of the unemployment created up and down the Coast, something might be done in the matter. The question was raised at the late Conference and regulations were promised then. Tt was resolved to communicate w ith the Department and ascertain the position regarding the regulations proposed.