FISH AND GAME.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 92, 25 July 1918, Page 2

FISH AND GAME.

R/Hatamata Annual Meeting The annual meeting of the Matamata Fish and Game Conservation society was held on Monday evening, Mr W. Livingstone (president) occupying the chair. About twelve members were present. FINANCE. It was stated that the balance sheet was not ready for the meeting, but that tho club’s finances were in a most satisfactory condition. OFFICERS. The following officers were elected: —President, Mr W. Livingstone; secretary, Mr E. G. Clarke; committee —Messrs J. Price, J. Pohlen, Donaldson, R. Burke, D. Laird, M- McDermott, W. H., Miles, C. Green, A. K. Weekes and W. J. Holmes. GENERAL. The president reported that the society’s rangers had been active, but it was decidedly difficult to obtain sufficient evidence to obtain the conviction of poachers, as the ranger had to get the game on the man. This was particularly noticeable in connection with Wilson’s property which was being shot over continually, and needed the full protection of tho society. —It was decided to apply to the owner to entrust the guardianship of the property in this respect in the hands of the Matamata society, the advances to be made by Mr J. Pohlen when next in Auckland. The question of the issuing of licenses for the protection of native game was and a suggestion of Mr Price’s, “ that the Auckland society be asked to again discuss the gun license proposals, or failing that the issue of licenses for shooting Native game,” was adopted. In view of the depredation of hawks in the whole district from Putaruru to Walton it was decided to ask the Auckland society to encourage boys to trap or kill these birds by appointing an agent in the district to whom beaks could be sent for payment. It was stated at the meeting that a prosecution was pending against a member of the Matamata society for allegedly being in pursuit of game on the East coast. The particulars were that the man'had taken out a license in Matamata thinking he was entitled to shoot in any district. The strange part of the business, he said, was that he had not shot anything when he got to Tauranga. It was decided to write to the Auckland and East Coast societies pointing out the position of the memfcer, and asking that a ruling be given so that others may be saved a similar predicament. It was resolved to apply for 100 pheasants to be liberated in the Matamata district when ready.