SUPPORT FOR PROTEST

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22895, 16 December 1939, Page 18

SUPPORT FOR PROTEST

* LIMITATION OF GAME SEASON MEETING OF SPORTSMEN SUGGESTED A protest by the council of the South Island Acclimatisation Societies against the decision of the Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon. "W. E. Parry), to limit the open season for duck to 14 days in 1940, was supported by the council of the North Canterbury Society at a meeting last evening. A copy of this expression will be forwarded to the council of North Island societies. Several members expressed the hope that, should the Minister not alter his previous decision in response to the protest, the matter would not be allowed to rest. It was, therefore, decided that, if tli'e Minister’s reply to the South Island Council was not favourable, an extraordinary general meeting of members of the society should be called to give further consideration to the limitation of the season. Should this meeting be called, other South Island societies will be advised so that any further action might come in a combined form. “I do not think we should take this limitation lying down,” said Mr W. J. Mac Gibbon. Mr A. G. Familton characterised the Minister’s announcement as outrageous, and criticised the taking away of their sport from a large body of sportsmen. Duck were on the increase and there was nothing to prevent a longer season. “Are 10,000 or 14,000 spoxtsmen not to have some weight given to their views?” he asked. “I confess I think the thing is hopeless, but I do think members should have a chance to express their views if the Minister is adamant,” said Mr E. L. Wyles. when suggesting the calling of an extraordinary general meeting. Recommended regulations for next year’s game season were then adopted as follows, on the suggestion of the game committee:— Suggested Game Regulations “Two months’ oppn season for game from June 1 to July 31, both days inclusive; open season for duck from June 1 to July 31, with a limit bag of 10 birds a gun a day, including all species. “Paradise duck —Open season from June 1 to 14. with a limit of three birds a gun a day. “Black swan—Open season, of two months from June 1 to July '3l. with a limit of 10 birds a gun a day. “Canadian Geese—Open season of two months from June 1 to July 31, with no bag limit. Cock pheasant—Open season of seven days from June 24 to 30, with a limit of three cock birds a gun a day. “Californian quail—Open season for quail for one calendar month from July 1, with a limit of 10 birds a gun a day. “Pukeko —Open season of seven days from June 2 to 8. with a limit of five birds a gun a day. “Godwit —Open season of 14 days from December 17 to 31, or alternatively. from January 1 to 14, 1941, with a limit of 20 birds a gun a day. “That a shooting licence of £1 5s only be issued, such licence to include imported and native game; that the sum of 5s from each 25s game licence be paid into a separate vermin account

under the control of the council of South Island acclimatisation societies. “That during the first fortnight of the present open season for duck shooting, it shall be unlawful for any shooter to shoot in more than two feet of water. “That the existing Regulation No. 13 shall be amended to provide that a power-driven boat of any description shall not be used for the purpose of recovering native or imported game which has been shot. “That feeding of all waters where sportsmen go in pursuit of game be absolutely prohibited.” These recommendations will be submitted to the Minister for approval.