“Some Hostility” To Wildlife Group

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31231, 1 December 1966, Page 16

“Some Hostility” To Wildlife Group

Support for the Fish and Wildlife Investigation Movement by the “Establishment” has been “conspicuously and regrettably lacking,” according to Dr. I. D. Blair, vice-president of the movement, yesterday.

The movement was launched in September and now has more than 2000 members who have joined as associates, according to Dr. Blair. “The simple and only objective of the foundation committee is to seek the appointment by the Government of a select committee to hold an impartial inquiry into all aspects of legislation, research, administration and field management of fresh-water fisheries and wildlife.” Support by the “Establishment” —acclimatisation societies and clubs influenced by them, has been conspiciously and regrettably lacking. Some of the organised groups are openly hostile; others view the movement as irrelevant; others are suspicious of bona tides and intentions. There is a parochial attitude on the part of some who still have good fishing and have no heed for the difficulties and deterioration elsewhere. “This happened also in New South Wales, where I recently had contact with a similarly - founded group which is enlisting support of individuals in the cause of an inquiry into control of Australian fresh-water resources, but is encountering a ‘handsoff’ attitude from its equivalent of our acclimatisation societies,” Dr. Blair said. Appealing for support of the movement, Dr. Blair says the Government will require evidence of a demand for an inquiry before it institutes such an inquiry.

“Our predominant complaint is on the score of maladministration within an alladjusted consortium—the Internal Affairs Department controlling Rotorua-Taupo and the Southern Lakes, the Marine Department controlling the inadequate research programme, and the proliferation of societies doing their best at 27 separate centres. “Issues which have to be examined on a nation-wide front include the absence of career opportunities for field officers and research workers in work associated with our lake and river (and ocean) resources; the lack of development within the burgeoning university system of limnology departments or sections from Which training and research could develop; and the lack of guidance in acclimatisation and management experienced by the enthusiasts who put their efforts into club and society activity. “If our movement cannot get off ground (or water) someone or other will take up the cause in another form. New Zealanders are not likely to allow deterioration of wildlife resources, pollution of waters, ingress of weed, public works and catchment board bulldozing to continue without more effective scrutiny. “No one society or government department can take charge. An independent commission or authority with teeth in its head —policy making, efficiently organised, with career prospects for experts, may be the answer.”