Pukeko Nuisance to Manawatu Settlers

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 167, 16 July 1937, Page 3

Pukeko Nuisance to Manawatu Settlers

SHORT OPEN SEASON MAY BE DECLARED Pukeko are reported to be becoming so numerous as to be a veritable nuisance in many parts of tho Wellington district, and tbo Wellington Acclimatisation Society has received many complaints from farmers and others. The question of declaring a short open sea Bon is receiving the serious consideration of the society's council. Several letters on the subject of pukeko were received by Wednesday night’s meeting of the council. “Every property from Bulls to Scott’s Ferry has more pukeko than desirable," wrote Ranger T. Andrews, of Palmerston North. “I have frequent complaints made to mo about damage doxe by pukeko. They are very numerous on the Hokowhitu lagoon, Awapuni lagoon, the lagoon at Waldegravo’s road and at Karere." ‘‘Pukeko are in very large numbers all through this district, and they are eating up most of the food that should go toward the maintenance of the ducks and pheasants," wrote Mr. G. A. Hobbs, of Foxton. “The Moutoa swamp is just like a fowl-run with these birds. If you go across tho Whirokino bridge to tho Government drain, just pull out your field-glasses and you will find in a very short range enough pukeko to fill half a dozen wool-bales. I am working in tho interests of better game, and if these birds are allowed to breed to this extent then the better game will starve. If you will not allow them to bo shot, then for the sportsman’s sake put down somu pollard and poison for them. Reduce, their numbers so that the ducks can

That strychnine on pollard was hardly an advisable measure, being as likely to be eaten by pheasant and duck as by pukeko, was pointed out by various members. This was further emphasised by a letter from the Palmerston North sub-committee, reporting extensive damage to pheasants, through their taking pollard poison, in tho Tangimoana forest reserve and surrounding districts.