Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1929, Page 2

Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society

ANNUAL MEETING.

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

The annual meeting of members was held in the County Chambers at 7.30 p.m,- Present:—Dr E.' Tcichelmann (President in the Chair) and 55 members;

The minutes were taken as road and confirmed.

INWARD CORK KSPONDENCK

From Sir Joseph Ward stating there was no appropriation for improvement to Mahinapua Creek, but promising consideration in this year’s Estimates.—Received.

From J. T. Timpson in reference to stocking South Westland with opossums.—Received.

x NEW MEMBERS.

The following new members were elected:—J. Conning, A. Cederman, A. Rowe, H. Lodge.

REVOKING FORMER RULES.

The Chairman moved-.—“ That all regulations previously made by the Westland Acclimatisation Society under the Animals Protection and Game Act. 1921-22, he and they hereby are revoked.”—Seconded by Mr Braddon and carried.

EXECUTIVE REPORT,

Gentlemen, —Your Council has the honour to report that the Society had a very active year again. The interest of late stimulated in the work of the Society has been most marked, evidence of which was found in the large attendance at the previous annual meeting. That interest is not by anj means abated.

The Hatchery Committee reported in December that there had been a very satisfactory hatching season. About one million ova, 400,000 quinnnt and 000,000 brown were hatched at Lake Kanieri. The Society worked as heretofore in concert with the Grey District Society, the relations being very amicable, and satislaction has been expressed at the result ol the co-opeia-tive arrangements. Repairs and improvements to the hatcherey were also carried but during the year.

Regarding the whitebait industry a report was current that regulations affecting the taking of whitebait are likely to be enforced. On learning of this a communication was despatched to the Marine Department suggesting that if regulations are being compiled Societies- likely -to bo affected, might be consulted regarding provisions which will affect districts differently. This enquiry was made over a month ago, but so far a reply has not been received. The position will require to be watched in order to see that conditions adverse to an important industry are not laid down. There was again a very successful opossum season, and considerable royalty has accrued to the Society. There are hopes that permission will be given to liberate opossums in the southern forests of Westland. It seems to be established very clearly that the opossum is not harmful to bird-life which has increased of late, as opossum tiuppers have taken heavy toll of Stoats and weasels and bush rats. The industry is a very valuable one to the country and should be cultivated. In order to he prepared to take the fullest advantage of opossum liberation in the southern district, and other suitable reservations nearer at hand, it is suggested some £(500 out of funds at present in hand should be set aside specially on the nucleus of a fund to assist liberation.

The licenses '.for fishing, game and deer stalking all increased for the year just closed, and as far as can bo learned the sport enjoyed was very satisfactory. In connection with deer stalking two English stalkers contributed £6O towards the cost of a hut for stalkers in the Landsborough, and Forbes hut was erected during the year, and is now in use. A map of the stalking country in the Haast region was also issued by the Society and is much appreciated by stalkers.

The Society initiated an advertising scheme in the Christinas publications with regard to local tourist resorts, the movement being supplemented by local subscriptions. Some excellent matter was published and should prove of value in attracting outside attention to the district.

Regarding finance the position is satisfactory. The gross receipts were £ll2B 11s 7d and the expenditure £951 4s 7d, leaving a surplus of £177 7s for the year. The credit balance in'creased from £llß6 12s 6d to £1363 19s (kl. There are contingent receipts to accrue of £176, which makes the financial position still stronger. In addition to the contribution towards advertising tourist resorts in Westland, the Society assisted with tourist work at Lake Kanieri. A shelter hut is to bo erected there, to which the Society is pledged to contribute the cost above the Government grant. A vote has been asked for clearing Mahinapua stream and erecting a landing in deep water at the lake. The road from Ruatapu to Lake Mahinapua is now being metalled bv the County Council. The incoming Council might consider the advisability of assisting any definite programme for reading at the two lake resorts. The members of the Council, and particularly the Hatchery Committee, with the help of several auxiliaries, .Worked very enthusiastically iu the in-

terests of the Society. Thanks are due to all who helped in such a fine spirit, enabling much good work to bo done. The Hatchery Committee lias recommended the engagement of a lulltime curator, for whom it will be necessary to erect a residence. There is an offer from the Grey Society to assist in these matters which will be further considered by the Council and later by the annual meeting.

Tho President said they had every reason to be pleased and satisfied with the financial position of the Association and the great amount of good that had been done during the past year. He hoped they would carry on in the same way in the forthcoming year. He moved the reception and adoption of the report. Seeonded by Mr Cagney. Mr Parry said lie saw by the balance sheet that £2B was taken for shooting licenses whereas there were probably 400 shooters in the district. 'l’ho Secretary stated that licenses were taken out through the Post Office the fess being paid less a commission.

Mr Rrnce congratulated the Association on its excellent financial position. He trusted they would continue in their good work. The motion for the adoption of the report and balance sheet was then agreed to.

CURATOR FOR HATCHERY,

The President invited a discussion on the proposal in the report suggesting the employment of a full time Curator at the Hatchery, and the erection of a residence.

Reports of the Hatchery Committee on the subject were read.

Mr Armstrong spoke in favour of the appointment of a full time C urator.

Mr Peck stated that he understood the Grey Society were prepared to assist liberally in connection with the appointment of a Curator. The President moved that the matter be left to the incoming Council for consideration. Seconded by Mi’ Howe and carried.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

President. —There were two nominations, Dr Teiehchnann and .1. -T. Mclntosh. The hitter signified his intention to withdraw his candidature, speaking in very appreciative terms of the splendid work done for the district by Dr Teicliclmann, who Well deserved tlie honour of again being appointed President. A poll was taken for the Vice-Presi-dent and Council. Of the latter there wero 21 who went to the poll and the following were elected: Messrs Parrv and Peck acting us sScriitineeis.

a VICE-PRESIDENT.

A. N. Baker (elected) ... 32 J. J. Mclntosh 24

. COUNCIL

The following twelve were elected: —

Those unsuccessful were:—>l. Cooper, J. Haile, A. Ilowe, 11. Osmers, H. T.’ Parry, S. Holley, J. King. W. Peck, and R. Spoor. Secretary.—Mr I). .1. Evans.

The President in declaring Mr D. J. Evans re-elected Secretary, unopposed. stated he had a very pleasant duty to perform. in congratulating Mr Evans on the renewed confidence reposed in him, he said they valued his services exceedingly. So much so that it had been decided during the past year to make a small presentation as a slight recognition of their appreciation of his valuable services for many years past. He asked acceptance of a handsome Kaiapoi rug. Fie felt sure Mr Evans would- appreciate the spirit that underlay the picsentation. Mr Kvans witli fooling tTninkod members for their quite unexpected presentation that evening. He had joined the Society to do his best for acclimatisation matters. They were now on the right side of tbo financial ledger. He would continue to do his best to advance the interests of the Sociotv aiid do everything possible to carry on the work in the coming

year. Mr Mclntosh thanked members for the support given him and also those who had not voted for him. Mr Raker also thanked members for electing him and Air Mclntosh for bis references. Dr Teicliclmann in thanking members for his election unopposed expressed the pleasure lie always had j„ advancing the interests of the Society. It was a work he took the greatest of interest in.

WHITEBAIT IN DUSTR Y

Mr Braddon moved that a letter be written to the Minister of Marine requesting that any proposed iogulations in regard to the taking ° whitebait might be submitted to tlie Societies of the respective districts

concerned for their comment-. Seconded by Mr Godfrey and -carried. Mr Bruce move a vote of thanks to the retiring -1 member's 1 fob -'palst services. He ab:o suggested I ’’increasing the royalty oii -’shags from'lS to 2s 6d per bead—Carried by acclamation. Mr King"briefly replied l-x|il : essing tho opinion that the' best Committee bad been appointed. The meeting• concluded 'a 9.40 p.m. with a vot'd of'thanks to tlfb’Chair.

s. Godfrey ... 50 0. Berendt 48 w. Braddon 45 E. J. Lloyd 40 (J •not Perry 35 B. Kelly 35 .11. Paterson 32 A. C. Armstrong 31 It. J. Appleton 31 11. Stuart 31 11. Wells 30 G. Howe 30