ACCLIMATISATION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5120, 2 May 1927, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION.

THE OHINEMURI SOCIETY

YEAR’S WONK REVIEWED.

Reviewing the activities of the Ohinemuri Acclimatisation Society during the year ended Mai ch 31 last the secretary i.Mr I). Leach) states in his annual report tha' matters have progressed satisfactorily. During the year 15 fry and 30 pheasants were received from the Auckland society, and also a consignment of pheasants’ ».ggs. Owing to toe quantity of fry being smaller than usual all of those received were liberated in the Waitawheta River. The pheasant eggs were, not successful. Stoats and weasels destroyed one lot of three dozen chickens, and of the balance only six birds survived. The Auckland Society, when forwarding the pheasants, was anxious that the birds should be penned until after the shooting season. The Auckland Society was advised that although the suggestion was impracticable there was an excellent sanctuary at the Wirihana Estate at Netherton, and the birds were liberated in that area- The pheasants arrived in good condition, and only one bird failed to survive. ’ The attention of. members is drawn to the fact that owing to representations made to tire Government in conjunction with other clubs and societies an open season for one month iras been declared for pukeko.

“Poaching is still carried on to some extent,” continued the report, “but with the assistance of the Auckland Society’s rangers, who have been in the district during the year, sufficient knowledge of the habits of the poachers is available, and convictions can be expected in the near future. It is to be regretted that so far this society has been unable to secure an area for a gazetted game sanctuary. The area which we had under consideration at tlie dead end of the Waihou River and adjoining properties would make an ideal sanctuary for pheasants as we.ll as duck. At the present time there is no sanctuary of any kind on the Hauraki Plains. With the opening of the season guns are waiting at every available spot. The birds get little or no chance to alight, and be.ing kept constantly on the wing they soon travel long distances to other localities.

“Fish have not been so plentiful in the Waitawheta Stream this year. In the opinion of this society the operations of low-drawing taking place in the upper reaches sickens the trout and is spoiling the sport. In the.lower reaches, of he stream, where the effects of flooding are not so severe, more fish are available. "Pheasants are certainly more plentiful this year, and members have been asked to consider- opening the Karangaliake district to shooters. “Weihave to again thank those - who came forward and rendered assistance in the distribution of fish and game, and also those farmers at Netherton, Hi.kutaia, Komata, and Karangaliake who have co-operated with the society in the protection of the game liberated on their properties. Members areurged to keep a watchful eye on poachers out of season, and those who in season attempt to shoot and fish without a license.”