ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 March 1939, Page 5

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY

NORTH WAIRARAPA COMMITTEE, ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the annual report of the North Wairarapa sub-committee of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society;—The year ended March 30 has been fairly successful and your committee has carefully watched the interests of various matters. I report with regret the death of Mr J. C. Smith, a member of our committee, who was a very energetic worker in the interests of the Society. During the year we have placed various proposals before the Council, some of which have been accepted and adopted. The Council has shown every consideration to this branch and I wish to record our thanks for its courteous treatment of our delegate. The extensive plan for the new pond and a very considerable amount of filling and levelling off of ground adjacent to the pond, have been completed. The top dressing of the ground around the pond will be attended to after the fishing season is over. The new yearling pond was officially opened on September 17, by Sir William Perry and I wish to take this opportunity of thanking all gentlemen who so generously gave financial assistance, for it was only the wonderful response in answer to our appeal which made it possible for this work to be completed. To all the gentlemen who came along to assist with the work, I find it hard to express my feelings, for it has been a great pleasure to have been associated with such a fine band of willing workers.

We regret the unsuccessful year at the game farm with pheasants, but hope that the Council will acclimatise such birds as the Golden Plover, Woodcock, Snipe and Tasmanian Quail, especially for this district. The license fee for shooting has been increased and

it is hoped that the extra money collected this way, will get rid of the vermin for there is evidence of a great amount in this district. The shooting season this year was not very good; no pheasants being shot, and the quail seem to have disappeared, and ducks were not as plentiful as in previous years. The fishing season is now practically over and has been a very hard one, but it is extremely gratifying to say that although a great amount has not been caught, there are a lot of fish in our rivers compared with a few years ago. In fact, some good fish have been landed by some of our license-holders—-fish from three to ten pounds. To th’e Press we owe thanks for the willing manner in which they have allowed items of interest to Be published for the benefit of the public. In conclusion, I wish to thank by committee for its whole hearted support during the year and would remind license holders lhat the annual meeting will be held in the Y.M.C.A. at 8 n.m. on TuesdaMarch 28. 1939, at which, 1 hope to see a large attendance —C. E. Grey, chairman.