DEER AND FOREST

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 62, 15 March 1933, Page 8

DEER AND FOREST

(To the Editor.) : Sir,—l would ask a little space in order 1w tl w Kml °f *thf statem<=uts made uj the Wellington Acclimatisation Society and their president with reference to the deer menace. First of all, the deer conference which, was called by the Minister of internal Affairs wafc the outcome of work initiated by tfie . Bird Protection bociety, not. acclimatisation societies, and the almost unanimous decision come to excluding the representatives of the acclimatisation societies who were entirely m the minority was that the deer should be exterminated if possible. The representatives of a large number of bodies »i e°ded> and the Minister of Internal Affairs presided. The chairman opened the proceedings by acknowledging the gravity of the deer menace.

Now the Wellington Acclimatisation bociety talk about controlling the deer, not exterminatirig them, aud imply that their numbers have been drastically reduced in the Wellington district, but acknowledge that they are still over numerous in the eastern part of their district. An inspection of the western district also will, I feel, convince most people that they are very plentiful there also. Recent reports received by a sportinK enthusiast demonstrate too that they have spread north into the Ruahine. This writer states "the country is teeming with game, red deer, cattle, pigs, and a species of Japanese deer." This correspondent also states that his information is verified by an acclimatisation Tanger. It does not seem to be in keeping with the acclimatisation societies' avowed interest in our native forest and bird life that they should seek to have deer protected for the sake of some £400 revenue to them because these animals destroy the homes and food supplies of many of our native birds, not to say anything about their nlso being detrimental to the trout fisherman's interests, as any harm done to our native forests must react on our rivers and streams and cause floods at one time and droughts at others. Probably, however, saner councils will prevail, and the Wellington Acclimatisation Society will think twice before being parties to the destruction of our beautiful fauna and flora. . People are now becoming acutely interested in the preservation of these our heritages, thanks to the advocacy of many, including our much respected Govfernor-General.—l am,' etc., ■ r"; FOREST LOVER.