PROTECTED, BUT WHY?

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 876, 23 July 1910, Page 4

PROTECTED, BUT WHY?

"PESTS HERE FOR. GOOD."

Stoats and weasels, much talked of lately, were again in evidence when a deputation from the Acclimatisation Societies' Conference 'approached the Minister for Internal Alfairs yesterday. The deputation recommended that all protection be removed from stoats, weasels, and ferrets, in such district or portions of. a district as any Acclimatisation Society or controlling authority may determine.

Mr. L. 0. H. Tripp explained that it was not proposed to withdraw the protection in districts where rabbit's were numerous. But in many districts; where there were few rabbits, native game was being rapidly exterminated by the pests above-named,

Mr. Buddo said the removal of protection from stoats and weasels did not exactly come within his jurisdiction. It was really a matter for the Agricultural Department. However, he would take care to forward the remit to his colleague, the Hon. T. Mackenzie, who held strong views on the subject, in which the speaker participated. He had obtained first-hand knowledge of this variety of pest in the Old Country, and considered that thoy were here for good. Neither trapping, poisoning, nor anything else save the withdrawal of food supply would eliminate the weasel. Gamekeepers at Home, in his experience, were always beaten when they .tried to destroy the pest. These animals had been introduced for an object which they had not fulfilled,, in the low country at all events. It was said, however, that in high ,country stoats and weasels were really uaefu! in keeping down the rabbits.