Depredations of Vermin

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7192, 26 June 1933, Page 6

Depredations of Vermin

ACCLIMATION SOCIETY ON THE WARPATH

At a meeting of tho Manawatu - subcommittee of tho Wellington Acclimatisation Society on Saturday evening considerable concern was expressed at tho widespread depredations of both land and water vermin and their harmful effects on certain kinds of game. It was agreed that it behoved every sportsman to do his utmost to keep the posts in subjection. Instancing the ravages of shags among trout, ono momber of the committee said ho had commonly shot shags which contained three partially devoured trout. Tho shags regularly made raids up many of the streams. The only efficient remedy was to shoot the shaggerics right out. Mr. W. J. Haase, of tho Wellington (Society, who was present, pointed out that tho society was alivo to this problem and donated ammunition to shooting parties who took on themselves the destruction of shaggeries. Tho sparrow hawk, too, is evidently a voracious feeder and is particularly partial to quail. Instances were given of hawks being found with tho TCmains of two and threo quail, a bird -which is nono too common, inside them. An cel with a .12-inch and an eightinch trout lodged inside "was an example of the ravages to which trout aro subjected, but probably the most convincing accusation against the eel was that of Mr. T. Andrews, the Manawatu ranger. Ho stated that of 20 eels he had examined this season, .10 contained a brace of trout. Tho exception that proved the rule evidently preferred a moro varied diet, and had swallowed a thrush. That tho parent society is alivo to tho position is shown by the fact that it has instituted a competition for the trapping of vermin, for which prizes have been offered by Mr. L. O. H. Tripp. Tho conditions aro that the prizes will be awarded to the trapper who forwards tho greatest number of tails or skins of recognised vermin by September 9. Tho Manawatu committco was fully in accord with tho action being taken by tho society-.