Acclimatisation Socy Deplores Bird Deaths

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32298, 16 May 1970, Page 15

Acclimatisation Socy Deplores Bird Deaths

Biological control of pests: rather than chemical poisoning is to be pressed for by the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society as a result of recent bird deaths due to the pesticide fensulfothion.

If chemicals had to be used extensive and comprehensive field trials and research should be carried out first, society members agreed at a meeting on Wednesday evening. Letters to this effect will be sent to the Department of Agriculture and Internal Affairs.

The society viewed with extreme concern the recent bird deaths through chemical poisons used to control grass grub, said Mr N. I. Voyce, the chairman of the society. Immediately the loss of bird life was reported due to the use of fensulfothion as a D.D.T. substitute, the society had sent urgent telegrams to the Government departments concerned. Restrictive action on the use of such chemicals had been urged, he said. Mr F. J. Gorton said the matter was a very Important one for the whole of New Zealand. It was disturbing to all that this chemical should be released before it was actually decided what could happen. “People are talking poisons, poisons all the time and I don’t know anyone that can tell the effect of one poison or another on the living organisms in the soil,” he said. “It has done tremendous damage to birdlife—what does it do to the soil underneath: what is its long-term effect? Mr Gorton said that intensive grass growing was so important to New Zealand’s livelihood that’ the grass

grubs were causing a great deal of concern. Birds were a major factor in keeping these down and without birds the insects “would beat us in this country.” The society should press for a different approach to insect control. Mr W. H. Robinson said that chemicals used in future should be subjected to proper field trials. “We must have chemicals, but where the scientists fall down is in lack of proper research,” he said.

Mr P.- C. Dawson doubted whether the society could bring prosecutions against persons directly or indirectly responsible for the death of the birds. ..... It was decided that this could be investigated by the chairman and secretary of the society.