SUPPLEMENT TO THE FISHING GAZETTE 
SATURDAY. APRIL 22, 1893. 
GKESHAM ANGLING SOCIETY. 
Annual Dinner. 
With Mr. Harry S. Foster, M.P., in the chair, the 
members of the above flourishing angling society held 
their annual dinner, on Tuesday night, at the Mason’s 
Hall Tavern, Mason’s-avenue, City, and the festive 
event passed off in a very successful manner. The vice- 
chairmen were Messrs. W. P. Grimmett, E. C. Clements, 
and F. E. Ohlson, and amongst a numerous company 
present were Messrs. C. S. Bentley, M. Davies, W. P. 
Dyer, E. L. Frost, E. Hesse, T. E. Sachs, AV. Marshall, 
.1. Massingham, F. W. Norman, P. G. Aflalo, E. H. 
Bramley, H. Boustred, J. B. Close, A. F. Cowley, E. J. 
Chambers, T. Crumplen (“Old Izaak”), J. Curtis, J. 
Cameron, Geo. Chambers, H. Day, J. H. Ellis, Fletcher, 
A. Heiron, G. H. Howard (editor of Angling), F. B. 
Hollis, C. Newbury, Dr. Ladell, A. W. Parker, E. 
Shonfeld, T. Powley, H. Phillips, F. A. Sims, W. Vail, 
Young, and J. Tayler (secretary). 
After the usual loyal toast had been duly honoured. 
The Chairman, who was received with cheers, pro¬ 
posed ‘‘Prosperity to the Gresham Angling Society,” 
and said that he realised his incapacity to do justice to 
the toast—(“ No, no ”)—as he had never yet had the 
time to follow up the delightful pastime of angling. 
Pishing, however, was one of the pleasures which he 
should look forward to now that he was so closely 
associated with a part of the country in which angling 
was so greatly indulged in, and where he hoped to gain 
some practical knowledge of it. (Applause.) He had 
been told that he had been asked to take the chair as 
the Gresham Angling Society was easentially_ a City 
club, and because it was situate in the ward in which 
he carried on business, and was, therefore, a near 
neighbour of his. Also that the position he had the 
honour to fill in the City last year was some justifica¬ 
tion for them asking him to take the chair. He (Mr. 
Foster) was glad to say that he now represented one of 
the most important fishing ports in the United Kingdom, 
and a district which was a very favourite field for 
angling. (Applause.) Well, if they would accept him 
on those grounds, he would endeavour to discharge his 
duties as chairman that night to the best of his ability. 
With regard to the Gresham Angling Society, it was, he 
thought, one of the leading societies of the day. It had 
been in existence some twelve years, and during that 
time he felt sure that it had thoroughly justified the 
object for which it was formed—namely, to bring about 
“ fraternal intercourse among anglers, and the promo¬ 
tion of the art of angling ”—-and he thought he need not 
allude to the very many excellent things which the 
society had done in the course of the year, as they were 
well known to all of them. The Gresham Angling Society 
was not only a social club, but a club founded to 
promote the art of angling, and to conduct that pastime 
in a sportsmanlike fashion. (Applause.) It was also an 
educational society, as every society must be in these 
days, and coupled with educational, the word literary was 
synonymous, for he was told that the society possessed 
an excellent library, numbering several thousand 
volumes, which was fast becoming a unique collection of 
its kind, and one which any society might well be proud of. 
He was also informed that the society had a fair 
museum, which was being annually added to, and which, 
in time, would no doubt become of considerable value. 
The members now numbered over 100, and they had the 
privilege of fishing three continuous stretches of water 
at Kelvedon, Essex, which were rented by the society. 
He (the chairman) owed his presence there to his old 
friend Mr. Bramley, and he hoped that when he came 
down to the Norfolk broads he would initiate him (the 
chairman) into some of the mysteries of angling. (Ap¬ 
plause.) Up to the present his connection with the rod 
had been to receive it very often when he was a little boy, 
and to administer it now, occasionally, as the father of a 
family. (Laughter,) He, however, wished the Gresham 
Angling Society continued prosperity, and he hoped, at 
some f uture time, perhaps, to be able to take part in the 
sport which the society had been formed to promote and 
extend. (Cheers.) 
Mr. E. J. Chambers next submitted the healths of 
the “ Honorary Members,” who, he said, gave the 
Gresham Angling Society a great deal of support. 
(Applause.) He coupled with the toast the name of 
Mr. Sachs. (Applause.) 
In acknowledging the toast, Mr. T. E. Sachs expressed 
the pleasure it gave him to come to the club, and he 
thanked the members for the kind way in which they 
had received the toast of the honorary members. As for 
the Gresham members, he never knew such persevering 
fishermen ; they were out here, there, and everywhere, 
bringing home large quantities of fish, and when they 
had been to Deal he had known them to go out in the 
roughest weather and bring in fish up to 201b. each. (Ap¬ 
plause.) He (Mr. Sachs) was the oldest member, and 
the oldest hon. member of the society; he was very 
pleased to find himself so connected with the society, 
and he hoped he should continue to be a member for 
many more years. (Applause.) 
“The Officers and Committee,” proposed in a eulo¬ 
gistic and humorous speech by Mr. E. H. Bramley, 
followed. 
Messrs. J. B. Close (curator), F. W. Norman 
(librarian), and J. Tayler (secretary), replied for 
the officers. The society, Mr. Tayler said, was in a 
most prosperous condition, and he was very pleased to 
inform the members that another piece of water, within 
half-an-hour of London, had just been taken on their 
behalf. (Applause.) Tfiey had taken it for one year 
certain, but if at the end of that time the members were 
satisfied with it, they had the option of renting it on 
the same terms for three years longer. Thei’e were 
thousands of fish in it, and if he knew anything about 
the members, they would very soon see some of those 
fish in the room. (Applause.) 
Mr. Davies also acknowledged the toast on behalf of 
the committee. 
At this juncture of the proceedings the Chairman, in 
a few appropriate sentences, distributed the prizes won 
during the last season as follow: Dr. Ladell, silver 
challenge cup for best and greatest variety of fish ; also 
silver medal, for tench weighing 4lb. ; Mr. La Feuillade, 
silver medal, for pike, 141b. 8oz.; Mr. Canton, ditto, for 
roach, lib. 12.ioz.; Mr. White, ditto, for brook trout, 
21b. joz.; Mr. Hesse, ditto, for dace, lloz.; and Dr. 
Brunton, ditto, for salmon, 191b. The Chairman con¬ 
cluded by giving the healths of the prize winners, the 
toast being acknowledged by Dr. Ladell in an amusing 
speech. 
Mr. Heiron proposed “ The Preservation and Angling 
Societies,” and said that, as regarded the former 
institutions, there would be little chance of angling 
societies surviving without them. They stocked the 
rivers and inland waters, assisted in the breeding of fish, 
and fish culture generally, and they did their best to 
prevent poaching and illicit angling. (Applause.) As 
for the angling societies there were nearly 200 in 
London, and amongst that number the Gresham Angling 
Society was one of the leading clubs. 
Mr. W. F. Grimmett (chairman of the New Albion 
Piscatorials) replied to the toast, and thanked those 
present for the manner in which they had received it. 
No doubt, he said, the Preservation Societies were 
greatly assisting the angling clubs, and he was very 
pleased, as a member of the committee of the T.A.P.S., 
to know that their work on that body was appreciated. 
With regard to the angling societies of London, he could 
assure them that they always looked upon the Gresham 
Angling Society as being one of the first of its kind, and 
its doings were very carefully watched in other quarters, 
because it was known that the society aimed at bene- 
fitting angling in general, and promoting the true 
interests of sport. (Applause.) 
Mr. A. W. Parker gave the toast of “ The Visitors,” 
and said the members of the club were always very 
pleased to welcome them amongst them, not only on 
festive occasions but at their usual weekly meetings. 
Mr. John Cameron, of Edinburgh, in responding, 
said it had given him great pleasure to come amongst 
the London anglers. His angling had been principally 
confined to Scotland and Ireland, and he stated that in 
the South of Scotland they were beginning to complain 
of their waters being overfished. What, however, must 
it be like in London, with its teeming population? 
Since he had entered the room that evening he had 
acquired a very great respect for the skill and prowess 
of the London anglers, for he had heard of feats per¬ 
formed in every direction, feats which would certainly 
equal those to be met with in his own country. (Ap¬ 
plause.) 
Dr. Ladell proposed the health of the chairman, and, 
after thanking Mr. Foster, M.P., for his kindness in 
presiding that evening, said he felt sure the Gresham 
Angling Society would be delighted if he would join 
them as a vice-president. (Applause.) In the course of 
time he trusted that he (Mr, Foster) would use his 
influence to establish the fence months on the broads, as 
it was quite time the taking of fish during the spawning 
season should be put a stop to there. (Applause.) 
The toast was received with musical honours. 
Mr. Foster, M.P., replying to the toast, thanked the 
company for the reception they had given him, and said 
he should consider it an honour to become a vice- 
president of the Gresham Angling Society. (Applause.) 
In regard to the Broads, the first time he ever put his 
foot into the county of Suffolk was to advocate that an 
Act of Parliament should be passed to create a Board 
of Conservancy for the proper protection and regulation 
of the Broads in the interests of the public. (Applause.) 
He should certainly give such a measure as he had 
referred to his support in Parliament. (Applause.) 
The healths of the vice-chairmen were also drank. 
Mr. Bentley proposed “The Press,” which was 
responded to by Mr. Crumplen (“ Old Izaak” of the 
People), Mr. G. H. Howard (editor of Angling'), and 
the representative of the Fishing Gazette. 
In the course of the evening an excellent programme 
of music was carried out, and the efforts of the artistes 
were greatly appreciated. They included Miss Isabel 
Eayner, Mr. Herbert Phillips, Mr. H. Boustred, Mr. 
T. Powley, Mr. Charles Bramley, and Messrs. Karm and 
Kiel (mandoline). Professor Frank Manley, E.A.M., 
presided at the pianoforte, and the company separated 
at a late hour, after having spent a most enjoyable 
evening. _ 
EOYAL WINDSOE AND DISTEICT PISCATOEIAL 
SOCIETY. 
A very pleasant gathering of the followers of the 
“gentle” craft was held at the New Inn, Eton, on 
Tuesday evening, when a large number of the members 
of the above society met together. 
Mr. Skelton carried off the first prize for trout, the 
first for barbel, and the secondfor roach, agrand record. 
Mr. Bambridge carried off the silver goblet for the 
largest fish caught during the season, that being the 
jack taken within a day or two of the close of the season. 
Mr. Eoberts carried off the second prize for trout, the 
second for jack, and the first for dace, also a wonderfully 
good record. Mr. Fountain secured the first for chub 
and the first for roach, and Mr. Fowler the second for 
dace. Mr. Herbert took the first for jack caught by 
spinning, and Mr. Elder the second for chub. A very 
useful prize was awarded to Mr. Howlett, the indefatig¬ 
able secretary, for having proposed the largest number 
of new members during the year. 
The Chairman in a few commendably brief but well 
chosen words proposed prosperity to the society, which 
was drunk with much enthusiasm. 
Mr. Howlett, the hon. secretary, replied, thanking 
the company for the compliment, and said he had special 
pleasure in doing so, as he had to lay before them a very 
satisfactory balance sheet, which compared very well 
with that of last year. (Applause.) He then proceeded 
to read the figures as follows ;— 
Receipts .—Balance in hand, ^613 19s. 4Jd. ; books of 
rules. Is. 6d.; Messrs. Nevile Eeid, £l 11s. fid. ; 
members’ subscriptions and entrance fees, ,£14 5s. fid. 
vice-presidents, ^Bfi 14s. fid.; hon. members, 5s.; total, 
,£3(5 17s. 41d. 
Expenditure .—Subscription to the Windsor and Eton 
Angling Preservation Society, £1 lls, fid.; prizes, 
£10 10s.; management, £5; stationery, postage, &c., 
£1 15s. 3d. ; small items, £2 Is. 9d. ; balance in hand, 
£15 18s. lOid. : total, £36 17s. 4id. The auditors wore 
Messrs. B. E. Bambridge and H. Elder. 
Mr. Fountain proposed a vote of thanks to the 
presenters of the prizes, which, he said, were a nice 
little extra incentive to their efforts, and he asked them 
to drink their healths. This was done with musical 
honours. 
The health of the chairman was also drunk with like 
honours, on the proposition of Mr. Fountain. 
During the evening Mr. Howlett made a special 
appeal for funds on behalf of the Windsor and Eton 
Angling Preservation Society, and personally passed 
round a collecting-box on their behalf, recognising that 
that society had done a great deal for local angling. 
EDEN FISHEEY BOAED. 
Twenty-five members were present at the quarterly 
meeting of the Eden Fishery Board, held at the Courts, 
Carlisle, on Saturday last. Mr. T. Parker, who presided, 
commented with satisfaction on the attendance, this 
being an especially large meeting of the board. The 
Watching Committee’s report was as follows ; “ Your 
committee have to report that the number of bailiffs, 
which was twelve during the salmon spawning season, 
has now been reduced to ten, including the inspector. 
Bailiff Pool, stationed at Port Carlisle, who has proved 
himself a very capable boatman, has left the service of 
the board, and a man has been appointed in^ his place, 
whose references as to character and efficiency were 
excellent and bore close investigation. Your committee 
visited Armathwaite weir on Monday, March 20, and 
have to report that they consider some sort of a pass, 
to enable salmon to get over the weir to the higher 
spawning-beds in greater numbers than they do now, 
essential, and so desirable that they recommend that an 
engineer, practically acquainted with such work, be called 
in to advise a.s to the best way to arrive at the object in 
view, and to estimate the probable cost of the same. ’ ’ The 
m-oposed pass at Armathwaite was then discussed.— 
Mr. Couthard urged that the pass should be erected at 
Armathwaite Bay. At the back end of the season the 
heavy fish got up the river as far as the weir, but could 
get no further, except when the water was at a certain 
height, so that thirty or forty miles of the best spawn¬ 
ing water was entirely wasted. Consequently great 
destruction of ova existed, and disease resulted, as 
salmon lay crowded in a circumscribed part of the river. 
—Mr. Welsh, Port Carlisle, said the pass would be 
erected by subscription, and would benefit the 
upper proprietors.—Other speakers followed.—Capt. 
Chamley, Warcop, suggested that the board should 
erect passes at all other necessary parts of the 
Eden above Armathwaite. Salmon got up as far 
as Kirkby Stephen in droves, and he thought the board 
should give a little facility for catching an odd one now 
and again. One salmon, and only one, had been caught 
up there. Fifteen approved of Mr. Couthard’s views, 
and seven voted adversely, consequently the Watching 
Committee were authorised to commence operations 
at once. A motion by Mr. W. Eoutledge, that a 
salmon 2s. fid. licence for rod and line for one day be 
issued, was adopted. This will be good news to anglers 
intending visiting the north countree ! W hat with the 
new and stupendous preparations made in the Lake 
District, in which Lakes Windermere and Coniston will 
reign supreme, and the contemplated conditions in 
respect to the Eden, visitors to the northern fishing 
grounds will at a very early date have a high old time 
of it. 
Fifth Eye House Competition in Aid of the 
Anglers’ Benevolent Society and Convalescent 
Home Funds. —The committee met on Friday, the 
14th inst., when it was decided that in consequence of 
Mr. Sowerbutts, Commercial-street, being the only 
tackle dealer who had presented a prize to the com¬ 
petition, the whole of the cash received from various 
gentlemen and societies for prizes should be laid 
out with Mr. Sowerbutts. The presentation of prizes 
will take place on Monday, April 24, at the Spread 
Eagle, Kingsland-road, N. During the evening a 
grand smoking concert will take place. Chairman, 
Mr. W. H. Beckett. The prizes will be presented 
by Mr. C. A. Medcalf. The respective winners will 
greatly oblige by attending early. Since my last 
report I beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of 
cash; Hoxton Brothers, 15s.; Bostonians, 7s.; Ber- 
mondsey Brothers, 10s.; Golden Barbel, Gs.; Prince of 
Wales, 12s.; Alhson United, 10s.; Clissold, lls.; 
Eastern Piscatorials, 153.; Funny Folks. 4s. ; Great 
Northern, 6s.; from the Crown and Buckland for prizes, 
16s. fid. The total number of prizes is now thirty-two. 
—S. Malby, sec. 
