TRAPS OR WIRE-NETTING OR POISON?

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 18, 21 July 1939, Page 8

TRAPS OR WIRE-NETTING OR POISON?

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Whether the plant-destroying animal at Otari Museum (Wilton's Bush) is opossum or hare, trapping with rabbit traps would be effective. The bait should be carrots cut up and spread between two closely-placed traps. Then planting could proceed. —I am, etc., !

MEMORY OF COCKAYNE

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—While agreeing with Mr. F. JKilmister, in his letter of the 17th in- [ stant, that there are opossums at Otari, there is too much evidence of the presi ence of hares to convict the former ,which attack, more or less, mature growth. Hare stool is found to be pre- ; sent, about the young plants which i have been so mercilessly attacked. Even teeth marks, peculiar to the hare, are Very much in evidence. I Writing of the Opotiki Domain, which houses one of the finest collections of native plants in the Dominion, |Mr. Norman Potts states that opossums do very little damage .as compared jwith that done by hares. Deciding i that two miles of wire-netting round the Domain boundary was a very costjly matter, wire-netting circles were placed around each plant, or group of plants, until beyond reach of hares. "Of late," continues Mr. Potts, "we have had no trouble as the local Hunt .Club exercises near the Domain, and this seems to have 'put the wind up' the hares. Dogs should be the remedy at Otari."

A contemporary paper, in humorous vein, advocates other cures, the introduction of a hare-dozer. Anyone having seen the damage done at Otari fpr themselves will agree that this mechanical device could well work overtime. It is noted that the Wellington City Council is on the look out for a means of combating this pest and it is hoped that such will be promptly forthcoming and the position remedied. —I am, etc., .

L.D.H.