GAME AND FISH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 April 1941, Page 4

GAME AND FISH

i ACCLIMATISATION AFFAIRS ■ IN WAIRARAPA MALLARD v. GREY DUCK. i MEETING OF LOCAL COMMITTEE. The annual meeting of the Waira- ■ rapa Acclimatisation Society was held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms. Masterton, on Thursday night. The president, Mr F. B. Pickering, presided over a good attendance. After the annual report had been adopted the president dealt with the matter of raising Mallard duck. He was of the opinion that food should be given to land-owners who were taking an interest in the rearing of ducks. He quoted the case of Mr D. Jackson, of Martinborough. Mr Jackson had been given 15 birds and now had 85 birds on a lagoon. “I consider it an excellent way of co-operation between land-owners and the society,” said Mr Pickering. Mr R. V. Mason was strongly opposed to the breeding of the Mallard duck. “The grey duck is an excellent sporting bird. If the society is going to rear birds it should give the grey duck a trial,” he said. The secretary, Mr H. W. Dale, said that the society took the view that as the grey duck was diminishing in numbers it was felt that the liberation of the Mallard would make up the deficiency. Mr Mason: “That will help to get rid of the grey duck quicker.” After further discussion it was decided that the incoming committee go into the matter of raising more grey ducks and bring the problem before the Wellington Society. In reply to questions Mr Dale said that pheasants which had been.liberated in the East Coast district were not yel in large enough numbers to shoot. It was decided, after discussion, that the committee again take’up the matter of securing a ranger for the Wairarapa. A remit was adopted asking for the removal of paradise duck from the protected list. Many reports of excellent, fishing were received. The chairman pointed out that the position was due to the society’s policy of rearing yearling trout. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr F. B. Pickering: hon. secretary, Mr I-I. W. Dale: delegate to Wellington Society, Mr W. Hope; committee, Messrs K. Aplin, Bouslridge. W. Wooding. C. Pickering. W. Harding. G. Birkett. -F. Palmer. W. Heckler. Messrs C. Stewart and M. A. Rawlins did not seek re-election.