DEATHS AMONG PARTRIDGES

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29765, 7 March 1962, Page 18

DEATHS AMONG PARTRIDGES

Society Concerned

At Losses

Concern at high mortality among young partridges was expressed in a report presented at the annual meeting of the South Island Acclimatisation Society at Waiimate yesterday. The losses of young birds last year had been heavy, and this year promised little improvement, said the report. The illness, congestion of the lungs, was difficult to account for. The birds this year' appeared healthier.

To make a worth while impact on sporting material there should be a gain of at least 1500 birds a year, the report said. The question of trial hatchings in many different areas to assess the relative merits of these was perhaps worth consideration. It was suggested that anither officer from Denmark be brought out on the retirement of the present representative in 1963.

In this report, produced by Dr. D. McK. Dickson, (North Canterbury) it was suggested that the South Island continue to contribute to the farm at Bulls or the another farm be set up with a breeding stock of 60 pairs.

North Canterbudy offered to take over 20 to 40 pairs next season to be maintained and liberated in this area at the local society's cost. The report on partridges was adopted and the suggestions contained were considered to be worthy of trial.

All 11 districts were represented under the chairman, Mr G. Kelly, of Ashburton. Officers elected were:— President, Mr G. Kelly; vice-president, Mr F. j. Robinson: acting-secretary, Mr L. Miller.