Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1929, Page 3

Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society

THURSDAY, MAY 2nd. The monthly meeting of the Council of the above Society at the County Chambers at 7.30 o’clock. Present: l)r Tciclielmann (President), Messrs Baker, Garnet Perry, Braddou, Howe, iierendt, Paterson, Appleton, Godfrey, Armstrong, Kelly, Lloyd and Evans. The minutes of the previous meeting wore confirmed. ilie outward correspondence was read and approved. jNWARD CORRESPONDENCE. Train Minister of Marine acknowledging letter in regard to suggested whitebait regulations, and stating in reply the terms of the Society’s resolution had been noted and would receive consideration.—Received. The Secretary stated it did not appear early action was contemplated. He expected to be in Wellington in about a fortnight ,and would caff and discuss the position with the Department. From Department of internal Affairs thanking the Society for information supplied regarding sanctuaries, and stating further consideration was being given.—Received. From same stating that the position with regard to the liberation of opossums was that the Government is definitely committed to a scientific investigation as to the habits of opossums, and until the result of the investigations was known it has been decided t.i defer consideration for the liberation of the animals.—Received and resolved to await further report. On the suggestion of Mr Paterson it was resolved to circularise all' trappers and ask them to keep a record -of stoats, weasels and hush-rats taken during the season, with any particulars gleaned of bird-life in the hush. From same quoting for the supply of rainbow and brown trout ova and fry from Rotorua.—Received. From Westland County Council notifying the request of C. M. Harris for attention to track at Upper Okuru used by stalkers, and enquiring if a grant would be made.—Received. After explanation of the position hv the Secretary it was resolved to vote £lO for attention to the track, such vote not to he considered an established precedent.

From Grey District Society remitting £ls in settlement of a. claim for hatchery maintenance last season, .being a deduction of £1 for car hire for Hokitika Committee visiting hatchery.—Received.

From Harris Bros. Hulnika, asking permission to siioot deer on Okuru run. —Received. The request was granted in accordance with the Iregulations issued under the Animals’ Protection and Game Act.

From E. J. Folgainlee, reporting on trophies secured in the Haast district, and stating the visit had been much enjoyed.—Received.

From V. It. Balfour-Browne on same subject, stating eight good heads had oeen secured, and commending the ability of Ranger Hodginson.—Received with thanks.

From E. James, reporting on rather abortive trip of stalkers into the Okuru block, hut stating the oversea stalkers were quite satisfied with their trophies.—Received. From S. Burrows, Methven, enquiring in regard to opossum trapping for die nc.it season.—Received and relerred to Crown Lands Office. GENERAL.

The Hatchery Committee reported in favour of a two-roomed dwelling with eonvc 1 lienees at the Hatchery for the acting Curatur, the building and fittings to cost £220. On the motion ol the Chairman, seconded by Mr Appleton, the report was agreed to and the expenditure sanctioned.

Mr Armstrong said the Curator would require to take up residence during this month to prepare for the reception of ova expected next month. It was resolved o enquire as to the approximate date of the arrival of the ova, and to arrange accordingly. It ws decided also to acquaint the oil*.. Society of the arrangements in hand.

Accounts to tile amount of £lO 12s Id wore passed for payment. Referring to Lake Maliinapua as a picnic ground for large excursions, Mr Armstrong suggested the Railway Department he asked to install heating conveniences for hot water, the Society to make some contribution towards the ost. it was decided to approach the Department and ascertain what arrangements could he made. Mr G. Howe asked that prominence lie given to the reward offered by the Society for information in respect to persons laying poison for opossums in the hush country.

The meeting approved of a suggestion by Mr Armstrong to grant £3 towards a schools excursion to the Hatchery when hatching operations are in progress to interest the youths in fishing and the protection of bird-lile. fu reply to a question by Mr Braddon ,Mr Armstrong said lie had made sevxeral filling trips above Hokitika Gorge, ancf took rainbow trout each time. The brown and rainbow were about half and half in the river. There wore some nice fish ranging up to five pounds. The rainbow had good sportin;.l: qualities and groat fishing strength. It was many years since rainbow had been liberated, and the results to-dav showed the work had not been wasted. His catch for the season was 177 fish. Air Baker urged the introduction of grouse, now that weasels were being exterminated. It was resolved to make enquire regarding the progress in the North Island.

The President reported the Canadian geese in his care were doing well. Air Godfrey reported similarly. The meeting rose at 8.20 p.m.