“HUNTSMAN’S PARADISE”

Evening Star, Issue 22688, 30 June 1937, Page 14

“HUNTSMAN’S PARADISE”

DOMINION'S GAME RESOURCES MARCUS SHOW MEMBER IMPRESSED It costs as much as £lO in America to shoot deer, that amount being the license fee for a close season of a few days, depending on the district chosen to stalk the elusive game. There, deer are scarce; in New Zealand they are a pest, and two of them were shot during the wedk-end in the Beaumont Hills by Mr Bobby Dyer, comedian, and Mr Lee Mason, singer, of the Marcus Show. According to Mr Dyer, who is an experienced sportsman, the Dominion is a huntsman’s paradise, and he holds that its qualities in that respect alone would' attract a flock of his compatriots to New Zealand if the abundance of game here were only widely advertised. To that end he intends to act as an unofficial ambassador when he returns to America. Another complimentary reference to the Dominion was paid by Mr Dyer in an interview with the ‘ Star ’ to-day. The frank and open manner of New Zealanders, their unbounded hospitality, and their cultured temperament were eulogised by this visitor. He is of the opinion that the hospitality of the people of the Dominion is only equalled by that of the inhabitants of the southern States of America. Though he was amazed that deer in: this country are treated as a pest, Mr Dyer struck a note of warning with respect to the conservation of game, or else he thinks that even deer will be exterminated. In America there are game reserves to protect forest birds, and fit present the huntsman is not even allowed to shoot quail or pheasants except during a very restricted season. Not only did both Mr Dyer and Mr ,Ma*on “ bag ” their fallow deer with running shots, but they also carried the carcases back to headquarters. _ The remainder of the party consisted of Messrs F. Louchran, Dennis Davy, W. Whiston, and Jack White. Each deer averaged 851 b.