GERALDINE COUNTY ANGLERS' SOCIETY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1948, 26 September 1889, Page 2

GERALDINE COUNTY ANGLERS' SOCIETY.

The annual general meeting of the members of the above society was held on Tuesday afternoon, at the Wallingford Hotel, Temuka. There was a fair attendance, Mr K. F. Gray was voted to the chair. The hon, secretary, Mr J. L. Flint, apologised for the absence of Mr A. M. Clark, the president, and of Messrs Hayes, W. G, andß. P. Aspinall, and N. 0. Nicholas, who were prevented from attending through business engagements. The minutes of the previous annual meeting having been read and confirmed, the secretary read the following report for the season 1888-89 “ The committee have pleasure in sab« milting for your consideration the following report and balance-sheet: “ The past season may safely be termed the most successful since the formation of the society. Seventeen new members were enrolled, making the number of members in all thirty-nine. Greater interest was shown in, and larger entries received, for the two angling competitions held under (he auspices of the society than had heretofore been the case. Unfortunately on both competition days the weather was not propitious, consequently the baskets exhibited were by no means so heavy, nor fish as numerous as, would have been the case had we been favored with ( fishing days.’ The annual dinner was held on Saturday, Ist December last, being both well attended and enjoyable. By reference to the balance-sheet you will find that the society has a small credit balance to carry forward, outstanding liabilities being nil, and assets in the shape of unpaid subscriptions amount to £1 15b. We commenced the season with a deficit of £llßs 7d, and in addition gave prizes valued at £7 4s, this latter amount being more than twice the value of all previous prizes given since our formation. These heavy items account for the small balance in hand, and members are requested to take » greater interest in the, affairs of the society and endeavor to obtain recruits, so that in the coming season we may be in a position to offer batter prizes and have larger entries for our competitions. The secretary has great pleasure in announcing that both A. E. G. Rhodes, Esq., and B. Heaton Rhodes, Esq., have signified their willingness to present a trophy each, value ten guineas, to the society, the conditions being that the cups are to be competed for annually, but to remain the property of the society, successful competitors haying the privilege of their names and takes being engraved thereon. This marks an era in our annals, for from this date the society is capable of offering an inducement to anglers to engage in our competitions fot a reward carrying with it honor, as apart from a remuneration which is equivalent to a merely pecuniary one. We kaow of no society possessed of such substantial privileges, and the gift of these handsome trophies will doubtless be properly estimated by members, who we trust in the coming season will show renewed East and keener rivalry. We need hardly remind you that the objects of the society are amongst others to encourage the art of angling in the county,-' 7 and the fostering of a feeling of friendship and emulation amongst anglers. Further we would suggest that members should keep reliable records of all fish taken during the coming ser:on, and at its close hand the same to the secretary. These would be recorded in the books of the society, and would be the means of compiling useful information, which apart from its official value would afford to anglers a. retrospect of many pleasant and not altogether unprofitably spent hours in pursuit of the ( gentle, craft ’ beside the banks of our unsurpassed waters. In conclusion we would point out that the society is areatly indebted to Messrs Deßenzy, Young, Clark, Guild, Inwood, Woodley, and others for their courtesy in placing their waters at the disposal of its members for competitions and general angling, and trust you will recognise their kindness by according them a hearty vote of thanks.” The balance-sheet was also read. The chairman congratulated members upon the successful result of the past year, and, before moving th© adoption of the report and balance" sheet, invited criticism upon it, or suggestions. Mr Young asked for information as Ito the challenge cups. Was it to be \ understood that the winner of the last competition was to haye the privilege of having his name engraved upon it f The secretary did not think so. The last competition was purely for the f prizes offered. No mention was made ’ of the challenge cup. The report and balance-sheet' were then adopted as read. On the proposition of Mr Flint, Mr W. Eolleston was elected a member of the society. Hearty votes of thanks were passed, to the retiring officers, the services of the secretary iu promoting the interests of the society receiving special mention. The election of officers was then proceeded with. Mr W. Deßonzy was unanimously elected president, and Messrs J. A. Young and K. F. Gray vice-presidents. Fourteen nominations were received for a committee, and, a ballot being taken, the following gentlemen were elected :—Messrs G. Mason, J. Velvin, Montgomery, E. Brewer, A. Hawkins (Geraldine), 0. Philipson, and J. Findlay. Mr J. L. Flint was re-elected secretary and treasurer, and Mr W, G. Aspinall auditor.

Mr J. A. Young proposed—“ That the secretary convey to Messrs A. E. G. Ehodos and E. Heaton Rhodes the society’s hearty thanks for their valuable gifts.”—Seconded by Mr Mason, and carried. On the motion of Mr Mason, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to all riparian owners who had promoted the interests of the society by extending the fishing privileges of members. 'the secretary then submitted two drawings of challenge cups prepared by Messrs Petersen and Co,, of Christchurch. They were of unique

design and most chastely engraged, and members were unanimous in their approval of them. The secretary stated that it was the intention of the donors that one cup should be for fly-fishing competitions and the other for minnow-fishing. Some discussion ensued as to the better way of arranging the competitions, and Mr Yelvin moved, Mr Brewer seconded, and it was carried — “ That it be a recommendation to the incoming committee that the challenge cups be competed for at the first contest only.” Mr Montgomery drew attention to the condition of the river bottom, and suggested that the secretary be authorised to communicate with the Acclimatisation Society with the view of having obstructions in the river removed, and also to draw their attention to the practice of depositing rubbish in the Temuka river. In making the suggestion, he felt sure the Acclimatisation Society would see the propriety of assisting to prevent a very reprehensible practice. Mr Mason remarked that other acclimatisation societies were fostering interest in angling by contributing to the prize funds of angling societies, and he suggested that the local acclimatisation society, which was kindred to them, should be asked to supplement the prize fund of their society. The secretary promised attention to the matter. On the motion of Mr Plint, seconded by Mr Young, Messrs A. E. G. Rhedea andß. Heaton Rhodes were elected .life members of the society, in acknowledgment of the keen interest they have displayed in promoting its welfare, The motion was carried by acclamation. ' The secretary was authorised to write to riparian owners re a continuation of the privileges enjoyed by the society. He was also requested to arrange a date for the first meeting of committee, eto. The meeting terminated with the customary vote of thanks to the chair.