SEVERE DAMAGE TO CROPS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 14859, 22 December 1948, Page 5

SEVERE DAMAGE TO CROPS

WILD PIGS IN NEW SOUTH WALES

HUNTERS MAKE GOOD PROFITS

Wild pigs are causing severe damage to cane crops in Queensland and wheat fields in northern New Scuth Wales. Originally farm animals which escaped and took to the bush or were released in bad seasons, the pigs multiplied during the war years and since because ot the shortage of labour and heavy ammunition with which to hunt them. , , „ Now in large herds they roam the country encroaching on properties unhindered because farmers cannot get wire to build protective fences. " In the Mmee district of north-western New South Wa l es the pigs have invaded properties four miles from the town. When a herd invades a wheat field the pigs strip the grain and flatten the growing wheat by rolling on it. During the absence of one farmer for a few hours wild pigs ruined a 50-acre cron valued at £750. Some farmers allow professional hunters to catch pigs on then-pro-perties. The hunters have packs o:: dogs trained to capture the pigs without injuring them. The dogs catch the nigs by the ears and hold them until Ihe hunters can tie their legs. The pigs are taken to a farm, fattened, and then sold. Hunters make good profits because the pigs bring up to £ls each.