ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4335, 28 October 1921, Page 1

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

THE HAMILTON MEETING. (Special Ip the ' Gazette..”) Some time ago the Waikato and Ohinemuri Acclimatisation Societies decided to take steps 1 to obtain a separate acclimatisation area embracing both districts. The Auckland Society, having requested a conference to discuss the matter, a meeting of the parties took place at Hamilton last Saturday, 22nd inst. Dr. Penfold, Hamilton, presided, and the follpwing gentlemen were present l : Messrs A. White and D. Leach’ (Ohinemuri), Going, Paul, Brind. and Haycock (Waikato), Whitney, Cullen, Gillett, and Noakes (Auckland); The Waikato arid Ohinemuri delegates explained the grievances and general dissatisfaction of sportsmen in their districts due to the apathy and unfair treatment, accorded them by the Auckland society. After a long discussion the Ohinemuri and Waikato delegates were invited to place their demands before the next meeting of t.he Auckland Council, to be held next month, and were assured that everything would be done to meet them in the matter.

Strong exception was taken to the action of the Auckland Council in forming new sub-societies in Hamilton in direct contravention of its own rules. The Auckland members stated that these charters had been granted without a knowledge of the .true facts, and agreed that these charters should be cancelled. Mr Arch. White, on behalf of Ohinemuri society, said he agreed with the idea of giving the Auckland Council a chance to bring about the reforms suggested, and after meeting the meihbers he felt sure that they recognised the necessity of getting into closer touch and more harmonious relations with country branches. The Hamilton, delegates also supported the idea,

During t.he meeting Mr Whitney advised the country societies to take stern measures with persons using Explosives in the rivers, which killed every fish within one hundred yards, and if not stopped would do away with the trout altogether. The society now offered a reward of £2O for the conviction of such persons. In reply to Mr Brind, who asked if the pheasants in (future were to be liberated in the months of January and February, Mr Whitney stated that experience had shown that it was better to*4lberate the birds early, when plemy of feed existed, thus enablitfg the birds to be thoroughly acclimatised to the district and better able to stand the winter than .would be the case if liberated after the shooting season in mid-winter.