ENEMIES OF NATIVE BUSH

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 128, 23 February 1939, Page 10

ENEMIES OF NATIVE BUSH

Destruction Of Deer And Pigs “With the ever-present, dread of fire in our wonderful forests is bracketed the ravages of deer among the native trees,” said the Minister of Internal Affairs, .Mr. Parry, yesterday. Tlie best and most thorough methods advisable, he added, were necessary to safeguard the native bush. Tlie Government, witli tlie I eople, appreciated tlie value to the Dominion of its bush and adopted every measure for which there was likelihood of success in destroying deer, it was a big work the official deer destruction officers were engaged on, and from ills personal knowledge of their uud°rt.alcing and their hazardous experience in the bush of mountain ranges where deer gathered, the men richly earned the money voted them by Parliament. Goats ami pigs also played a part in destroying tlie native bush, and those pests were dealt witli by the official field officers. “It is reported by flu. deer men.” Mr. Parry said. “Unit the wild pig is not numerous among much of tin' country infested by deer. Al) pigs seen by tlie men are killed, but their work is to keep down rigorously the deer, which provide the greatest menace. It seems that wild pigs are increasing rapidly in tlie Kimr Country and Taranaki districts ami their depredations are severe. Plans for tlie destruction of wild pigs are being considered by tlie Minister of Agriculture. Mr. Lee Martin, and myself as Minister of Internal AtTaiis AU efforts must lie made to keep down pests and vermin in tlie country which destroy the bush and the homes of our birds and the crops of the farmers."