DAMAGE TO CROPS AT WAIMATE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26985, 10 March 1953, Page 13

DAMAGE TO CROPS AT WAIMATE

FARMERS AUTHORISED TO “DISTURB” DUCKS (From Our Own Reporter) WAIMATE, March 9. The phrase “destroying ducks,” which appeared in a newspaper report after the society’s previous meeting, appeared to be out of keeping with the aims of the society, which was concerned with the conservation of bird life, said Mr E. Rollinson at the monthly meeting of the Waimate Acclimatisation Society. Members made it clear that their aim was to assist farmers as far as possible to conserve their crops, but to do so in a manner which would not deplete stocks of wild ducks. The secretary (Mr H. N. Stott) reported that he had received a warrant empowering him to issue written authorities. subject to definite conditions t to shoot mullard ducks which were doing damage to crops within the Waimate Acclimatisation District. Mr Stott read the terms of the warrant. Two authorities already had been issued, he said. On the proposal of Messrs H. B. L. Johnstone and L. G. Blackman., the meeting decided that authorities should be issued in the names of all persons shooting, that they be issued only for specific nights, and that a ranger be in attendance. It was agreed also that the authorities be Issued to “disturb” ducks and not to shoot them, and that the two persons to whom authorities had been issued should be advised to make an alteration accordingly in the terms of their authorities. The chairman (Mr J. Lundon) and secretary were authorised to draft the licences for the coming shooting' season. Notice will be given by advertisement to landowners who desire to shoot on their own properties without holding a licence that written permission from the society is necessary.