PROTECTION OF NATIVE GAME. TO THE EDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume LXX, Issue 36, 11 August 1905, Page 6

PROTECTION OF NATIVE GAME. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — In your issue of the 28th ult. I noticed that at the Acclimatisation Societies' Conference several resolutions were passed, amongst them being the following : — "That a license fee to shoot native game be imposed." Regarding this resolution, I think that the members of the Conference have lost sight of the present game laws, and instead of endeavouring to introduce new issues and so complicate matters, I think it would be advisable if steps were taken to enforce the remedies already at hand, and thus prevent a large destruction of native game out of season. Apparently, the object of the society is either to raise funds or to preserve native game, presumably the latter.- If this is so, then I think the object could be obtained by prohibiting boys under, say 16, from using firearms of any description. If a game license is imposed the effect is to place native game-shooting on the same footing as imported game — that is, available only to 'the richer class of men, and, on account of the fee, to debar the poor man. The prohibition to boys would be a step in the right direction, and would accomplish a .triple object. Boys in possession of firearms' use them indiscriminately, and shoot every available thing that comes within range, regardless of the suffering of harmless little birds, etc. The pea rifle nuisance, which is now a serious menaco to tho public, would bo got rid of, and again, the danger to the boys •themselves would be minimised. I trust you will find room in your valuable columns for the insertion of my letter, and I await, not a criticism of it, but an expression of opinion by other readers of your paper. — I am, etc. PRO BONO PUBLICOj. Kaitoke, 2nd August.