Extermination Of Deer “A Constant Bugbear”

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30471, 19 June 1964, Page 12

Extermination Of Deer “A Constant Bugbear”

The question of deer extermination was a “constant bugbear” for the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, said Mr T. M. C. Hay at the annual general meeting of the Canterbury branch of the society last evening. Mr Hay was reporting on the annual meeting of the New Zealand branches which he had attended in Gisborne. The present campaign for the preservation of Wapiti could not be condoned because, pound for pound, one Wapiti could eat about three times as much as ony other species of deer, said Mr Hay. “Persons are quick to point out the high prices venison fetches in Europe,” he said, “but they should realise this is rarity value—other countries simply would not stand f " r such Prevalence as we have in New Zealand of a destructive animal like deer.” In a report to the branch on the activities of the noxious animal advisory committee, Mr S. F. M. Hart, said

that during the year Government shooters had conducted a campaign against thar in the Mount Cook area, with satisfactory results, 1616 animals being “accounted for.” During the year the Canterbury branch of the society had begun a junior study group for members between the ages of 16 and 30. This group had a varied programme arranged for the year ahead, said Mr W. J. Harris, and it was hoped to include zoology and geology lectures next year if suitable instructors could be obtained. Officers elected were: chairman, Mr T. M. C. Hay; secretary, Mr W. J. Harris; treasurer, Mr A. K. Witty; auditor, Mr F. H. D. Gale; committee, Messrs I. H. Gray, M. R. Arlow, E. H. Southerill, N. C. Lambreehtsen, C. Holdsworth, E. L. Budden, Miss E. J. Arlow, Mesdames H. D. Beaumont. R. H. Kirk, N. Harrold, A. K. W’itty and D. S. Meyer. The retiring chairman, Mr A. V. Grubb, who has served the branch for eight years, was made a life member. Mr I. H. Gray, who had served as secretary for 10 years, will continue as organiser for the branch.