WILD LIFE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 67, 21 March 1933, Page 9

WILD LIFE

THE SOCIETY'S CLAIMS

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —There has been recently in the columns of the Press a great deal of criticism- of the policy and action of .the Acclimatisation Societies. Most of this lias been cloaked with anonymity. There is however one attack made that is of a nobler nature —a straight blow from the shoulder by an opponent not ashamed to show himself. I refer to the letters of Mr. "W. H. Denton. One cannot help feeling that, although he hits hard, he had the gloves, on and aims to punish but not to kill. I do not -think, however, that he is altogether the thrice armed possessor of the just quarrel, and in the very act of making the blow he- reveals the gaps in his armour that make retaliation possible. One such is the denial that the societies are attempting to control wild life. Anyone with the slightest knowledge of the activities during the last quarter century of Mf. L. O. H. Tripp, president of the Wellington Society, and also of the Associated Societies of New Zealand, would but confess himself a dolt did he not acknowledge the results he has obtained by the wholehearted way he has championed the, cause of our forests and their fauna. Both by personal actions, and the instigation he has given to other societies, he has been responsible for many measures calculated to conserve our forests and the thereof. The destruction of vermin arid the protection of our native birds have ever been near to his heart, and by his unbounded enthusiasm he has kept these aims before those whose interests might seem to aim below these high ideals. We as societies would be presumptuous to claim perfection individually or collectively in our activities, but we do claim that our aims are honest, and that we number amongst our members as large a body of men having at heart the conservation of our forests and the amenities of Nature, as does any other body in New Zealand. Indeed, if the so-called experts do not exist in our councils, and-I do not admit that they do not, whero else can we find them, and if tlrey exist elsewhere why has no one had the interest to onsure that they come forward and give that service that would be welcomed by us one and all? Is j there not sonic justification for accus- | ing some ; <of our -critics of that very apathy in their civic duties that has rendered necessary the formation of the New Zealand Legion. Do they take any steps at all to ensure that the societies are controlled by those who will not be influenced by sectional interests, and who will consider the country as a. whole? I. say no emphatically. There is an apathy in this matter comparable with that which exists towards Parliamentary and local body elections. The electors are neglectful of their responsibility, and content often to allow control by sectional interests. ' The Wellington Society, although controlled by a council elected by sporting interests, has achieved much. It worked for and established the ■ sanctuary on Kapiti Island, and has rendered assistance, financial and otherwise, towards tho preservation of the bush and birds thereon.. It has ever been watchful for, and has used its influence in preventing unnecessary, destruction of forests. It has urged strongly tho necessity for the destruction of vermin, and has been largely instrumental in obtaining the partial removal of the protection on stoats and weasels—the greatest enemies of our native birds. Its deer-culling policy has been pursued relentlessly year by.year, and it is admitted even by some" of our detractors that this society has done excellent work, and that tho deer are not a menace in the Wellington district. Finally, the Wellington Society is the_ only body doing any active work m the district to protect our native birds.from destruction, malicious and otherwise. Our rangers are ever on the alert, and the record of the convictions they have obtained must be convincing evidence- to anyone of the vigorous nature of our policy. I can state without fear of contradiction that the .societies, as a whole, by their constitution aim- at conservation, and that they will welcome the assistance of any individuals or bodies of men who can help them towards this end. G. P. V. ANSON, Chairman Wellington Aeclimntisation Society.