ACCLIMATISATION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4464, 8 September 1922, Page 2

ACCLIMATISATION.

LOCAL TROUT FISHING. Mr D, Leach, secretary of the Ohinemuri Acclimatisation Society, has received intimation that 25,000 trout fry will be forwarded to P.aero-i within the next few days. These will be distributed in the Hikutaia, Koniata, and Waitawheta rivers. The latter stream is in fine condition, and should supply good sport for all. Supplies of trout fry have been liberated regularly during the last ten years, and the fish are increasing in numbers. Visiting fishermen have expressed their surprise and pleasure at the Waitawheta stream and its attractions, and are of unanimous opinion that this particular stream will prove a decided asset to Paeroa in the future. * Ther.e is about fifteen miles of fishing water from Karangahake to the upper, reaches of the river, running through scenery which in itself is welt worth a, visit. The fishing season opens oh October 1 in the Auckland district, and licenses can be obtained from the local secretary, Mr Leach, who will also be pleased to supply all information to those anxious to become disciples ofl Isaac Walton. CAMBRIDGE GAME FARM. Mr McAnally, curator of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society’s game farm at Cambridge, Waikato, was in Paeroa on Tuesday, and in the course of conversation Mr McAnally said the society expected to be liberating about 2000 pheasants this coming season. At the game farm they were ajso endeavouring to rear a large number of Virginian quail. These birds arg to be distributed and liberated among the different branches of the society in the Auckland province. The Virginian quail has only become acclimatised during the last season, and in size are somewhat larger than the Californian quail, and are far better sport to shoot. Last year Mr McAnally, on the game farm, was successful in rearing about 1300 pheasants, but this year that number will be more than doubled. During the last six years over 9000 pheasants have been reared and distributed from the farm, Mr McAnally considers it is far wiser to distribute the birds to the different branches of the society for liberation during the month of January,, instead of in April, as has been the custom in the past. If the birds are liberated in January they are then fully feathered (have passed the moulting stage), and there is ample food for them to thrive on, .and the results will be much more satisfactory than if liberated in April, when the natural food of the birds is scarcer. This opinion is endorsed by Mr D. Leach, the secretary of the local society. Mr McAnally extends to all sportsmen a cordial invitation to visit the game farm at Cambridge and see for themselves the interesting work of rearing the pheasants, quail, geese, and other varieties of game. Intending visitors are asked to phone No. 175, Cambridge, and they will be met at the railway station.