1939 Shooting Season Disappointing

Northern Advocate, 12 April 1940, Page 6

1939 Shooting Season Disappointing

No outstanding bags having been reported, the 1939 shooting season must be recorded as mainly disappointing, states the president (Mr S. J. Snow) in his annual report to the Whangarei Acclimatisation Society. “The pheasants were favoured by the almost summer weather, which prevailed early in the season, enabling the birds to remain in the bush until much later than is normal. “Likewise, the ducks wore favoured by exceptional fogs, although sportsmen reported many limit bags after the first few days. Prospects This Year Excellent. “The prospects for the coming season a,re excellent, both pheasants and ducks being reported in large numbers. “This year 436 pheasants have been liberated" as evenly as possible throughout the district and the society has a substantial order placed for birds for liberation after the season. “The number of young birds which are being reported indicates that the introduction of fresh blood has proved successful. “This season a large holding pen has been erected on Mr J. W. Parkin's property and this will enable the holding of young birds for liberation at the most suitable time. “In addition to granting the society the necessary permission, Mr Parkin has devoted a great deal of time in their care and also in the course of his business, liberated birds throughout the territory free of cost to this society. Thanks are extended to Mr Parkin for his invaluable assistance. Without instructions from the annual meeting, Mr Snow continued, the council had declined to finalise the proposal to declare the Whangarei Harbour a sanctuary. The question was one concerning many duck shooters, and also the vital matters of vermin control and ranging. “The council considers,” the report goes on, “that all wishes would be met if the main body of the harbour was ‘ closed,’ leaving certain of the tidal fiats and creeks open to sportsmen. Increase in Vermin. “Members of the harbour board and Forest Society have been invited to the meeting, so it behoves every member to attend to deliberate on this very important and far-reaching question. “The increase in vermin must be viewed with alarm by all sportsmen, and although the society has purchased 130 tails and 833 pairs of hawks’ legs, this must represent a very small proportion of the vermin which is preying on bird iffe. “An earnest appeal is made to all to assist actively to combat this menace.” Financial Statement.

The financial statement shows that last year £562 15/ was received in shooting licenses, and £lO 18/ in fines. Purchase of pheasants cost £329, and ranging fees £ll9. The joint, fish account (Whangarei and Hobson societies) showed a total expenditure of £l9O, of which £l2B was for purchase of rainbow ova. Whangarei society’s contribution was £95, of which £ll was recovered in licenses. The credit balance -in the accumulated fund had been reduced from £633 to £SBO.