SHOOTING OF GEESE

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29872, 12 July 1962, Page 13

SHOOTING OF GEESE

Summer Season Approved

To control rising numbers of Canada geese at Lake Ellesmere. where they are protected, a special open season will extend from the last week-end in January to the first week-end in March. This was decided by the council of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, last evening. The normal open season for shooting these birds is from May to July. The shooting of magpies also is to be encouraged. Many persons mistakenly thought these vermin were protected, said Dr. D. McK. Dickson. They did a lot of harm, killing small birds, and more had to be done to control them. Magpies had been harrying partridges at Ladbrooks. and the Department of Internal Affairs has been asked for information on methods of reducing the number of magpies, said the president (Mr F. J. Gorton), Because the count of fish going up the Selwyn river has been lost with the damaging of the trap by flooding and scouring, the council decided that the trap should be removed and a survey made from netting in the upper reaches. Sulphur will be applied about the verges of Lake Coleridge and Lake Lyndon to promote growth for the feeding of fish. The advantages of installing two-way radios in ranger vehicles, with a home set In the secretary’s office, are to be considered by the fish and game . committees, which will make recommendations to the council at its next meeting.

Lighted Fountain.—As a community service project, Tauranga Jaycees will provide an illuminated fountain for the town’s Memorial Park. The project, valued at £5OOO, will form part of the development plan for the park, which already includes a swimming pool, children’s playground, soundshell, skating rink, and indoor sports centre. —(P.A.) ,