THE HAWK.

North Otago Times, Volume CIV, Issue 13662, 2 September 1916, Page 7

THE HAWK.

PBST OR FRIEND OF THE

FARMER?

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, August 31.

Opinions about the'hawk differ according to locality. In some parts of New Zealand this bird is regarded as a friend of the farmer, and worthy of official protection. A number of farmers' unions in Otago, for instance, have passed resolutions urging this course, because the rabbit pest, which readied huge proportions, was appreciably rediiced through'the partiality of th 0 ' bird of prey for t young rabbits. On the other hand, Auckland farmers have been obliged to regard the hawk as their enemy, and strong representations have been made to the Milliliter of Internal Affairs to remove the protection which exists in regard to it,

The difficulty is that as the law stands, protection, if it prevails, innit 1 apply throughout New Zealand, but the Minister informs a representative of the Lyttclton Times that he contemplates bringing in legislation when a favourable opportunity arrives to enable protection to be 'applied' over a limited area, while enabling people in districts where hawks ar« a nuisance to the farmers, to destroy them. Meanwhile, the Minister proposes to issue immediately a proclamation removing protection from hawks until December 31st, 1016.