ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1919, Page 7

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

ANUAL REPORT. \ The following is the annual report to be presented at the annual meeting of the Tarauaki Acclimatisation Society to be held at the Soldiers' Club this (Thursday) evening:— "In presenting the anunal report your executive state that in pursuance of the policy outlined at the last annual meeting, the funds of the society have been couserved, with the result that the credit balance at the bank now amounts to £ll2 3s, with the addition of the amounts raised by sale of game licenses, it is anticipated that the balance will not fall far short of £2OO.

'The past-fishing season has been disappointing. The closing down of the hatchery, which was inevitable, now tells its own tale. In consequence there has been a large falling off in the numbers of fishing licenses sold. The shooting season, however, opens full of promise. Owing to the large number of sportsmen away at the war during the last few years, botli pheasants and quail have considerably increased in the district, and it is anticipated that good bass will be made It is to be noted that pigeons are absolutely protected. The finances of the association are still a source of anxiety to the executive Even at the best of times the income of the association is insufficient to do justice to the district. If everyone who should legally do so took out a license there would probably be ample funds. It seems extraordinary that there should be so many who, to put it quite plainly, poach. £1 per license is a small enough sum for a season's sport, and sohuld not be grudged by anyone. The question of a possible amalgamation on the part of the three , acclimatisation societies now operating iin Taranaki will be discussed at the I meeting. As this matter is of the utmost importance and vitaly affects the j future of the society in particular and sport in the province in general, it is hoped that a large number of sportsmen mav make it a point to be present at the annual meeting on Thursday (to-night).