OPOSSUMS

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 91, 14 October 1920, Page 7

OPOSSUMS

LEGISLATION CONCERNING- THEM.

In moving the second reading of the Animals' Protection Bill last night, the Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon. G. J. Anderson) said 1 that the primary object of the Bill was not to protect oppossums but to turn them into a useful product. In the Catlins district, for instance, the oppossums were in. the bush in large numbers, and they had become rather a menace to the orchards and gardens. In 'cases such as this the animals could be trapped or shot under licenses which would be issued. There were also proposals to foster the business in opossum skins. At present a certain number were sold, but very much more could be done. The suggestion was further being considered that a royalty should be levied upon each skin, it was proposed to require a license of opossum skin dealers.'

' Mr. A. S. Malcolm (Clutha) supported the Bill.

Mr. H. Atmore (Nelson) pointed out the menace fie creatures were to fruitgrowing localities, and suggested that the Bill should be referred to the Fruitgrowers' Association. Mr. W. H. Field (Otaki) supported the suggestion. Mr. F. P. Hockly (Rotorua) urged that very careful consideration should be given to this matter before another probable pest was added to the stoats and weasels, small birds, and others. "

In replying, the Minister said it was intended that when the regulations were drawn up the fruitgrowers should be consulted." A valuable paper on the habits of the opossum had been written by Professor Kirk, and this would be published. The second reading wa-s carried.

The Bill went through ■committea without amendment, and was read a third tims and pasMd.