NATIONAL POLICY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 25 March 1936, Page 3

NATIONAL POLICY

FOR GAME SHOOTING WAR ON DEER ' minister suggests CONFERENCE (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, 24th March. The suggestion that a confoicncc of acclimatisation societies should _he called as soon as possible with a view to the adoption of a national policy for manic shooting was made by the Minister "of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry), when replying yesterday to a deputation from the Associated Acclimatisation Societies of New Zealand. The Minister also said that he was going to declare war on deer. The Minister said that the sport of game shooting was in a very precarious position, and unless something of a national character were done to preserve the sport it would “go by the board." He suggested that a conference be called °as soon as possible, and that the following subjects be discussed:— (a) The breeding and liberating of game compatible with the present demand; (b) the most effective and economic means of breeding; (c) the kinds of birds most suitable to breed for New Zealand, with dues consideration to the farming interests; (d) the most effective means of the distribution of birds; (e) the tightening up of the law against shooting hens; (f) the proper organisation of rangers; (g) ways and means of financing the proposals.

REMITS PRESENTED The remits passed at the recent Acclimatisation Societies’ conference were presented by Mr L. 0. H. Tripp (president), who said he wished to refer to some matters of outstanding importance. In connection with opossum revenue, he' pointed out that all the work was done by the societies, and the amount, of revenue they received had diminished year by year. Last year, after an argument with Treasury £2OOO was received for division amongst the societies of the Dominion. Fish research was another important matter. Mr Tripp reviewed the steps leading to the establishment of research work, and stressed the part the fishermen had taken. They had now arrived practically at the end of their resources, he said, and assistance was needed. In connection with the deer menace he suggested that a close season of a couple of months might be kept in the Wellington district. Mr Tripp also dealt with the depredations of stoats and weasels, • and urged that these animals should not be protected. Regarding honorary rangers, he said the body he represented was of the opinion that all warrants should be cancelled, and that rangers should be reappointed for a term of three years. It was also advocated that a close season for game, should apply only to those .parts of the country where it was warranted. Mr H. M. Bishop (Hawkes Bay) said that his society was definitely against a close season. Mr A. Seed supported g close season for deer, remarking that irresponsible parties often only drove the deer further back and did practically little killing. He suggested, also, that grey opossums be liberated to improve the colour of the skins. He advocated district licences for trout fishing, and with tbe-Ministjpr having some voice in fixing the fee, a portion of which should be earmarked for research. CO-ORDINATION Elaborating his reasons for the calling of a national conference, Mr Parry emphasised the need for more coordination among sportsmen. The only difficulty standing in the way of success was the sportsmen themselves, he said. If a national policy were agreed upon, he would have a better chance of securing results when. he approached the Government. He hoped that the decisions arrived at by the conference would be accepted in a sporting manner. Dealing with other matters raised by the deputation, he pointed out that the reason why. close seasons were ed to was because the societies themselves were not unanimous. As far as pests were concerned, he was confenfing with the Lands and Agriculture Departments. If he had any opportunity of doing away with pests, they would be done away with. He stressed the definite need for co-ordina-tion in fish research, aud pointed ' out that fresh and salt-water fish should lie the subject of investigation. “I am going to declare war on deer,” he said, referring to Mr Tripp’s reguest. “I know you are putting up a case for a stalking period.” Mr Parry emphasised the damage deer did to forest life as the reason for his attitude.

He said he was not favourably impressed by a system of honorary rangers. The sportsmen themselves would have to pay for the game shooting, blit fishing was a different matter, and lie considered that the Government should assist in as far as research was ’ concerned. “I suggest that you leave the matters as they are to-day and call a conference as soon as possible,” he said in conclusion.

Mr Tripp assured the Minister that the executive would consider the matter immediately.