The Wellington Aquarium & Water Garden Society (Inc)
Founded 1933      Incorporated 1943
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Bits & Pieces

I got interested in tropical fish in the early 1970’s. At that time the Society met at the Cathedral Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, Hill Street, Thorndon. Our lockup cupboard, which contained our library and other things for the meeting, was down in the crypt underneath the cathedral – it was a long way to cart the 2 heavy suitcases of library etc to and fro. (However I have recently read that Miss Stilburn used to have to carry them with her on the tram going to and from meetings !!)

Fishkeeping is a great hobby – it has many interesting aspects to it but basically it teaches you to provide an environment to keep fish which is rewarding in itself but which can also be shared with others. It is an inexpensive hobby (compared say to space travel etc) and can provide many rewards. Fish don’t need walks in a park, vaccinations for mugnantitis or distemper, designer clothing or special grooming.

Belonging to a club of like-minded people has many benefits and being able to have a face-to-face discussion with someone is immeasurable. Internet "Chat-Rooms" can have their advantages but ……

My favourite fish is the Kribensis. It has glorious colours and is very interesting to watch it proceed through the breeding cycle of nest building, caring for the eggs and its unique way of protecting its babies.
My second favourite fish is the "Leopard Fish" – an (inside) coldwater livebearer. I wonder if there are any around these days.

Oh, there is no such thing as mugnantitis - I made that word up.

Fishkeeping is a great hobby. Look through the membership lists of aquarist clubs and you’ll see names there that have been in the hobby for many many years. That speaks for itself.

Don Picken
Aug 2005
Mr Picken (1942 -  ) joined the Society early 1970's.
Elected Committee 1974 - 1975
Elected Secretary 1976 - 1983
Elected Jubilee Convenor 1979
Elected a Life Member 1984
Elected Treasurer 1989 - 1993
Inagural Webmaster Aug 2005