Game Birds Rejoice In Anti-Shooting Weather

Northern Advocate, 11 May 1939, Page 4

Game Birds Rejoice In Anti-Shooting Weather

Weather for the first 10 days of the shooting season this year has been definitely in favour of the birds. Sportsmen have been obliged to content themselves with comparatively small bags so far, but there is every prospect that the season, on the whole, may bo a good one.

In previous years, when the opening days have seen fantastic bags, sportsmen have experienced a tailing-off towards the end of the season. Indications this year', however, are that this tailing-off will not take place, but that, instead, birds will be available in moderate numbers throughout the shooting period. Lucky Gun-Men Although the first day was disappointing, there were some good bags on the second, third and fourth days of the season. Particularly was this so at Poroti, Waiotu and in the region of the Wairua Falls power house. One of the best bags was that of two men who brought home 58 birds after three days.

At Whareora 10 guns brought down 55 birds on one day and 60 the next. One Tree Point and Ruatangata have also reported some good bags. Sportsmen are convinced that the birds are about, but that they will not come down until there is more water. As winter rains set in, it is anticipated that a steady supply of moderate bags will ensue. Pheasants in Hiding

Pheasants are keeping well out o* sight, and have been well scattered by the opening shots. Unfortunately for shooters, the air has been too clear, the result being that the sound of tho shots carries far to the detriment ot good bags. Two guns in the Ruatangata area brought down 10 big birds in one day. while there have been several bags oi' six or seven per day. The average, however, is two or three birds per gun each day. One man secured seven pheasants between the old Onerahi railway station and the old Kioreroa bridge. As with the ducks, it is expected ihat there will be no failing off this season, but that a steady influx of moderate bags will be experienced.

Good Shooting In Hokianga District

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”J OHAEAWAI, This Day. After having spent two days in the Hokianga district, Mr. H. T. Atkinson, of Waimate North, has returned home with a good bag. He obtained 20 pheasants and a number of ducks. Commenting on the sport he had had, Mr. Atkinson said that game birds were plentiful this year, and provided good sport. He had been surprised at the large number of ducks to be found in the various districts, especially in Hokianga, where there also had been a large number of pheasants.

N.Z. Onions Bring £27 A Ton At Sydney

SYDNEY, May 10. A shipment of New Zealand onions, aggregating 1200 tons, wtes marketed in Sydney yesterday, selling at £27 a ton. The onions are being distributed throughout Australia owing to an acute shortage.

Royal Commission To Investigate Sheepfarming Industry

t Special to “Northern Advocate ”l WELLINGTON, This Day. The Prime Minister, Mr Savage, has informed the newspaper “Standard” that the Government has decided to set up a Royal Commission, presided over by a Judge of the Supreme Court, to make 'a thorough investigation of the sheepfarming industry of New Zealand. Mr Savage said the commission would investigate problems affecting sheepfarmers which had been the subject of a good deal of discussion at- farmers’ meetings held recently, and would make recommendations to the Government. The members of the commission will probably be announced during the next few days.