THE EXPORT OF GAME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8268, 29 May 1890, Page 3

THE EXPORT OF GAME.

TO THK EDITOR. Sir,—l ask if you will kindly grant a small portion of your valuable space for a tew remarks re the freezing and export of game to the neighbouring colonies. I believe the Acclimatisation Society have requested the Freezing Company to take in no more pheasants for freezing, which request they have complied with. Being licensed to deal in game, I most strenuously object to such high-handed proceedings on the part of the Society above mentioned. For what, I should like to know, have I paid a license of £5 if not to sell in the market where I can obtain the best price ? If the Society desired to prevent the export of game, why did they not cause the necessary stipulations before granting any licenses, and not turn round after getting the fees ami say, You shall not do this, and you shall not do the other." It certainly cannot be legal I maintain their action is not only unjust, but shortsighted and ridiculous. It must be apparent to everyone who knows anything about trade here that there is no market locally wherein a fair price can be obtained for any quantity. Then why, in the name of common sense, close the one where yon can obtain a fair price. For the dealer to depend on our local market, means he must go begging for someone to take them. He certainly could not recover in profits the amount paid for his license unless very fortunate. The idea of the birds being shot out is to my mind absurd for many reasons; one, there is too much cover for that while they are protected nine month* in the year, and when shot at a little, take to the bush, Why, I hear from those who are in a position to know, that the birds are in thousands in the King Country, also other localities nearer home, which I can quite believe. It is quite natural, as population spreads and destroys the cover, so the birds retire, which accounts for the cry that birds are scarce. It is simply nonsense. If the sportsman takes the trouble to go far enough afield, lie will yet more birds than lie knows what to do with. For my own part I have had more game this season, considerably, than ever before, so that I again wsert that the Society have no grounds for such highhanded and arbitrary proceedings in this matter. It would be utterly impossible to shoot the birds out in three monthn, or twelve months either. I wonder, sir, if the Freezing Company and the Acclimatisation Society are one and the same ? It certainly looks like it from their action.— am, etc. Auckland, Mav 23,1889. A Victim.