Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1930, Page 3

Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society

THURSDAY, FEB. 6th. The monthly meeting of the above Society was lie Id at the County Chambers at 7.35 p.m. Present: Dr Teichelmanu (President), Messrs A. Baker, A. O. Armstrong, Garnet Perry, J. Kelly, H. Wells, R. J. Appleton, G. Howe, R. Paterson, R. Stuart, W. Braddon, S-. Godfrey and D. J. Evans (hoh. see.) The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and the outward correspondence was approved.

The Chairman referred to the bereavement in the Wells’ family, and a motion of sympathy with Mr H. Wells and relatives was carried, those present standing in silent sympathy. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Department of Internal Affairs acknowledging suggestion respecting amendments to Opossum Regulations. —Received.

From same asking for suggestions in respect to open game jseason.—Received. The Secretary reported tlie suggestions made were on the lines of previous seasons.

From same acknowledging request for special conditions ; regarding deer season.—Received.

From ’same,- stating Arthur’s Pass National Park Board had been authorised to destroy deer, chamois or thar found within the reserve.—Received. The Chairman" stated it was desired to have authority to cope with the deer when they appeared.

From same acknowledging culler's report respecting deer in South Westland.—Received.

From same, forwarding copy of Gazette notices respecting deer season in uestland.—Received. It was pointed out March and April were tlie close season in Westland when deer may be taken only under license, obtainable from tlie Postmaster, Hokitika. From Marine Department forwarding copy of regulations respecting trout and perch lushing, in Westland district.—Received. From N.Z. Acclimatisation Societies’ Association notiying subscription due. —Received and passed for payment. From same, stating Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs proposed calling a Conference in March relative to the control'of deer, and asking the- amount spent over four years for culling, and the number of deer killed.—Received.

From same forwarding copy of letter from Hon Minister relative to proposed deer conference. —Received. . ,

From same asking number of prosecutions during past live years for shooting native game etc.—Received. Tlie Secretary reported the total prosecutions were 17.

From same, forwarding particulars of newspaper correspondence relative to the control of deer, and dealing with a proposal to set. up a separate department to deal with the matter, also J making othfer r:yi iea.l changes.—Received', From F. E. Thornton, Wellington, on same subject, regretting it was not possible to secure a restricted number of deer heads this season, but the matter was being looked into.—Received.

From Department of, Internal Affairs, telegram suggesting tracks he cut to assist iii deer culling, and asking for recommendations in the .matter.—Received.

From. Ranger Gederman, reporting on proposals to cut tracks, and making suggestions in regard to more effective control:—Received.

From J. Forbes, Christchurch, on the same subject, and giving particulars of the value of deer skins lor export, adding that a. bonus on skins for export would assist the culling.— Received. This and the foregoing correspondence relating to the deer menace was discussed at length. The feeling was that the Society had been doing' its host to keep the deer in check

in South Westland, and upwards of £4OO had been, spent in culling fees during the past five years. Well over 3000 deer had been culled, while in the Arahura-Koiterangi district, the settlers were keeping the deer in check. It was decided to be represented at the Conference on the matter next month, a delegate to he appointed A vote off thanks was passed to Mr L. 0. Tripp, Wellington, for his activities in stating the case for the Associations. From North Canterbury Society asking for native pigeons and promising other game in return.—Received. From J. O’Brien, M.P., regretting he had nothing definite to report in respect to the further liberation of opossums in Westland.—Received.

From Grey District Acclimatisation Sm-'iety, forwarding balance due on hatchery maintenance, and enquiring if any fish would be stripped locally next season for ova, stating 300,000 brown and 200,000 rainbow, ova- would be required.—Received, the matter of local shipping being referred to the Haltchery Committee with power to act. It was decided to apply for a further supply of quinnat salmon ova for Lake Kanieri. From Constable Brooks, Pembroke, reporting 252 deer culled in the Haast region for the past period.—Received and account for £3l 10s approved. From Jas Downs, Invercargill, thanking the Society for so kindly recognising his past services, and appreciating the remarks made on account of his work.—Received.

From Eric James, Makaroa, asking support to an. a rea of Crown Lands being thrown open at Makaroa for camping purposes; and again urging the need for huts on the long south route.—Received. It was decided to support the request for lmt accommodation along the route. From resident in country, reporting toll of deer for past quarter was 24, 14 of which were stags.—Received.

GENERAL. Accounts to the amount of £34 18s 6d were passed for payment. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Baker j,o enquire from Auckland the cost of one hundred chicken pheasants.

Mr Baker moved and Mr Howe seconded that Hokitika river, from the mouth to the Kanieri bridge, and for a chain above high water mark, he recommended as a bird sanctuary.—Carried.

The Secretary was authorised 1° ar "

range for the deposit of funds on interest for an extended term. The meeting rose at 8.35 o’clock.