ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 315, 21 November 1929, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

COUNCIL MEETING. Held at Matamata. On Friday the council of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society met in Stewart’s rooms at Matamata, when there was a large attendance of delegates from Auckland, Putaruru, Matomata and other districts. Amongst the Auckland members attending were Messrs. F. E. McKenzie (president), C. A. Whitney (deputy chairman), C. M. Gordon (secretary) and J. E. Ray. Pheasants. Referring to the liberation of pheasants Mr. McKenzie, chairman, said it was the policy of the council to liberate young hand-fed birds only on properties where no shooting was allowed. They thought last year that 32 sub-societies would close blocks but only 12 did so. Six more closed blocks after urgent communications from Auckland, but the other societies failed to shut up properties. Sub-areas should be closed early so they could be gazetted before the shooting season. The blocks closed last year were for one year only. Those that did not close got an allocation of birds as usual, as the council did not think it fair to cut them out. He felt, however, that if they would not close blocks they should not get birds, as it was not fair they should be shot at. Last year they liberated 1000 birds, but this year they would liberate 1600. Mr. Williams (Matamata) suggested that in the past Matamata had not had its fair share of game and fish for liberation, and consequently there was not the interest there should be in the society. The chairman stated that last year Matamata was entitled to 33 birds and got 50. Pheasants were great travellers, and went where the food and cover; was. Mr. Stevens (Matamata) stated he would be surprised if he did not liberate 50 birds himself this season, and if anyone wanted a setting of eggs to-morrow they could have them. (Applause).

The chairman stated that 1600 birds did not go far as the Auckland province was 400 miles long. The society’s stock was good blood, but nrivate liberations were necessary to keep up the supply for shooting. Trout Stocking. Referring to the Putaruru effort in regard to fish,- Mr. T. F. Snell (secretary) stated that Mr.. Higginson had made a pool at Okoroire ana pools had also been made at Tokoroa and Putaruru. The Tokoroa pool was a very good one, and some 10,000 fry had been liberated. The outside cost of the Putaruru pool was £3. The dam was made of timber.

Mr. Fitzgerald stated the fish were doing well and were very thick, like bullies. The chairman stated that a central fish hatchery required a paid servant the whole time, and was not worth while. Local pools were the best and had proved very satisfactory. Mr. Fitzgerald stated that at Hawera they put 10,000 fry in each pool and they were quite satisfied if they took 1000 yearlings out. When transferring speed was essential, as the yearling fish would not last more than a few hours in the cans. A hose had to be kept going full blast in the cans to supply fresh, water. Mr. Whitney stated the whole of the rivers in the Auckland province "Were stocked with fry and eye ova. Something like 250,000 being first liberated tnough now the number was millions. The expense of carting yearlings was great and fifty and sixty yearlings liberated in a river woud never stock it. In America they were planting the ova and the moment they hatched the young fish came out and feed themselves. When frightened their natural instinct was to hide. Those reared in hatcheries were spoon-fed and did not have the instinct of protection. Ponds had been made in Cambridge and Te Awamutu, but were now defunct. They were not successful for stocking, purposes and the only method of getting plenty of fish was by fry and eye ova.

ITlie chairman stated that Mr. Hefferd had said that only 5 per cent of ova reached maturity. Mr. Whitney replied that was in the natural state. The chairman said that the society’s present practice was to buy about 200,000 fry and 600,000 eye ova for liberation. It was hopeless to rear fry unless the pond was near the river they were to be liberated in. (Hear, hear). Tapui Block. The secretary stated that Mr. Livingstone had suggested that the Tapui block should be made a game reserve.

The Minister had replied to this request that a survey was partly made, and when the report was completed he would consider the proposal. “In other words,” stated the secretary, “ the matter is pigeonholed.” (Laughter.) Mr. Fitzgerald (Tirau) stated he did not think the bush was worth pressing for, as it would only be the homestead of deer to raid farmers round about who were breaking in new land with turnips. Red Deer. The secretary stated that there were now practically no restrictions on the Taumarunui red deer herds. The only restriction was in length of season and the fee of £3. In regard to fallow deer it was to be“ open slather for £l.” (Laughter). Mr. Williams: That means there will soon be no deer. The chairman: Yes; in the Auckland province. The season was for two months, and only those who had a £3 license could shoot. Partridges. Local reports showed that four partridges (two pairs) had been seen on the Hinuera-Cambridge road. Mr. Fitzgerald stated that those in captiyity had shown no signs of mating. The chairman pointed out that they could hardly be expected to change their breeding time the first season, but he hoped they would nest this year. Mr. Barford stated he was used to partridges in the Old Country, and did not think they would thrive here, as they were a stubble bird.