GAME PRESERVATION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2140, 24 July 1907, Page 3

GAME PRESERVATION

Under the .above heading tho Otago Daily Times says:—The conference at which representatives of various local associations particularly interested in tho subject have been, recently discussing means' whereby more .satisfactory provision may be made for the preservation of native birds and game has expressed the conclusions prevailing amonst its members in a number of resolutions. These urge upon the Government the desirability of taking various legislative steps with a view of bringing about a better state of things than at present obtains, and they will be brought before tho conference of Acclimatisation Societies to be held shortly in ■Wellington, with- a view to their adoption by that body. The conference has been the outcome of the valuable paper read lately by Dr. Fulton before members of the Otago Institute, and we hope, marks the beginning of a. movement that will have important results. That it has taken its labors seriously is seen from the variety of the remedial proposals it has discussed and approved. As to the desirability of the introduction of measures such as may put a stop to existing practices there seems to have been no question among members, and the fa t is not unimpressive to the imparobserber, while tlier is* alos a significance in tho fact that the Otago Gun Sportmen’s Association was actively represented at the conference. The true sportsman has a gonuine interest in game preservation, and is not backward in joining in the condemnation of the methods of those, who, during the shooting season and frequently out of it, bring the very name of sport into disrepute. At the recent conference M-. Chisholm, who presided, assured members that the Acclimatisation Societies, "which had spent much money in introducing game, # were disheartened at finding their efforts useless owing to_ the action of the Government in introducing stoats, weasels, and other vermin; and lie also complained that tlio societiesi had been agitating for years with little result in support of the protection of native birds. The indictment against tho stoats and weasels is of course, nothing new, and is heard of in all directions. That bodies kindred in their interests should bp playin" at cross purposes is unfortunate, •aiul there is not much consolation in the fact that there is a certain grim humour in the idea that one of the main purposes of the game imported by the Acclimatisation Societies appear to be to provide an article of diet for the Governments importations. Perhaps the introduction of tho otter, which is a famous fisherman, would complete the equanimity of the societies that delight in a well-stocked stream, or something more could he achieved in the natural enemy line. However, there are two sides to the stoat a?id weasel question, and no doubt ♦‘jey will both receive full attention before any legislative action is taken. As wo have indicated, the conference approved of a comprehensive list of resolutions, and the recommendations embodied in these wil-,-we trust, havo the weight they deserve in the proper quarter. J Key ere +oo numerous to discuss, but the principal aims involved are the rbsolnto protection of pigeons and hrkas an *adequate reservation of sancturies, tho declaration of Steward Island as a sanctuary, tho removal or | protection from stoats arid weasels in the Otago Acclimatisation Society s district, tho introduction of . l.irdchooting licenses, greater vigilance in the enforcement of the law. with regard to protected birds, and the curtailment of tho length of the shooting season.