ROD AND GUN.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5184, 28 September 1927, Page 3

ROD AND GUN.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

MEETING OF OHINEMURI BODY. The annual jneeting of the Ohinemuri Acclimatisation Society was held at Mr Bain’s rooms on Saturday evening last, the president (Mr JHamilton) presiding over Messrs. SJ. Nicholls, A. W. Maclarn, H. Lewer, E. Edwards, D. McKeei, J. Tregoweth, and D. Leach, (secretary). The annual report, as published in the “Gazette” on May 2 last, was read and adopted. The balance-sheet showed that the expenditure for the year amounted to £5 13s 2d, and a credit balance of £1 9s 2d was available with which to commence the season. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows ■ ■ Patron, Mr J. B. Morris; president, Mr J. Hamilton; vice-presidents, Messrs A. W. Maclarn (Karangahake), C. A. Stembridge (Netherton), A. RRobinson (Hikutaia), D. McKee and G. H. Taylor (Paeroa) ; secretary, Mr D. Leach; auditor, Mr W. L. Lawrence ; general committee, Messrs M. Remington, F. Dare, E. Edwards, S. JNicholls, L. Nevin, A. B. Capper; delegate to Auckland Society, Mr W. G. Wohlmann. WELCOME TO CHIEF RANGER. On behalf of the members the president extended a hearty welcome to Mr W. T. Routlege, chief ranger for the Auckland district, who was present. He paid a tribute to the vigilance and energy displayed by Mr Routlege and his staff, and assured •himfthat the members were grateful to him for attending the meeting. It was a matter for congratulation that societies had a man of the purposeful energy of Mr Routlege. The speaker said that since the inception of the Ohinemuri ' Society he had never known of a chief ranger to equal in energy and thoroughness Mr Routlege. It was hoped that societies would make every endeavour to co-operate with the rangers and assist in the arduous duties throughout the province. ALLOTMENT OF FRY. Advice was received from the Auckland Society that 10,000 trout fry had been allotted to Ohinemuri. Th® secretary pointed out that 25,0'00 fry had'beein asked for, and it was disappointing to learn that the number asked for had been reduced. It was explained b” Mr Routlege that requisitions from all i societies had been reduced this season, and that no exception had been made of Ohinemuri. It was the intention of the parent'body to heavily stock the new lake at Arapuni, and on that account a large number of fry was required. Until the Arapuni lake was fully stocked, in the opinion of the it was of little use applying for a greater number this season. It was decided to liberate the fry in the Waithwheta stream. In reply to Mr Nicholls the secretary said that the Waihou River was well stocked with fry from the upper reaches. It would be useless putting fry in this side of Tirohia on account of the water being too deep and sluggish. MALLARD DUCKS. It was decided to approach the Auckland Society and ask for a supply of mallard ducks; when the first consignment arrived from England. In making application it was resolved to point out, that/Mr Maclarn was prepared to accept responsibility for the breeding and caring of the birds, it being understood that 'the Auckland Society would in all probability purchase the young birds at the rate of Sa each. EXPENSES OF SOCIETY. The secretary suggested that the Auckland Society should be asked to assist Ohinemuri financially. It was pointed out that heavy expenses were incurred in carting out trout fry, honorary ranging expenses, and also 'in the issuing of license, on which no commission was allowed. During 1926 game licenses to the value of £57 and fishing licenses to t,he value of £27 10s were issued by the Ohinemuri Society. Several members considered that the Auckland Society should allow commission on the licenses issued. It was resolved to apply for mone-tary-assistance. LICENSE-HOLDERS. It was resolved to write to the Auckland Society recommending that it urge upon the Government the necessity of honorary rangersi being able to obtain information from local postmasters with regard to the issue; of licenses. REMARKS BY RANGER. Mr Routlege in thanking the members for the hearty welcome accorded him, urged the members; to take- drastic measures in eradicating stoats, weasels, wild cats, shags, hawks, and ee-lsv Sportsmen could help materially in acclimatisation matters if they would concentrate on such vermin. He congratulated the members on the progress the local society was making, and expressed pleasure at having had the opportunity of meeting them. His services and advice were available, and he would be only too pleased to do whatever he could to assist acclimatisation affairs in the district. After various matters affecting the policy of the society had been discussed the meeting closed with votes of thanks to Mr Routlege; for attending, and to Mr Bain for the use of his rooms.