FEES FOR GAME LICENSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10410, 7 April 1897, Page 6

FEES FOR GAME LICENSES.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, think my criticism was fully justified, namely, that when a correspondent makes authoritative statements which reflect on the Acclimatisation Society, he should take the trouble to acquaint himself with the facts. "Subscriber" made two statements: First, that the Acclimatisation Society had raised the liccuse fees; second, that consequent thereon the licences issued in the borough of Auckland were reduced from 100 to six. Both these assertions were ground - less; yet there is no regret expressed tor having made them. Now "Subscriber" states that he is no tyro, and ought to know something of game laws, having held a licence to sell game for 18 or 20 years. Perhaps so. but I fail to see where the proof of knowledge comes in ; certainly not in the assertions he has made. I should prefer the tyro. " Subscriber" asks whether, if the Society did not raise the fee last year was it not done through the Society's agency, to which I reply certainly not. The Society considers that the repeal of the clause in the Act under which the holder of a shooting license might sell game to a licensed dealer was a mistake. That clause was repealed in 1895 in an Act brought in by the Government; the Society was not consulted in the matter, and had no knowledge of what was proposed to be done. "Subscriber" complains that "well-to-do persons last year were not above bringing in game under cover, and giving them to both hotels and others, which is a great injustice to people who pay a license to sell game." Surely here is another injustice to Ireland ; but whore did the injustice come in? " Subscriber" did not take out a selling license last year (there were none issued) while surely even well-to-do people may make presents of game if they so desire. There is one fact I might point out to "Subscriber" and some others, and that is that the Society has to work under existing Acts as they find them, that an Act once passed is difficult of amendment, and that although recommendations may be made to Government they are frequently without result. Thu3 the Society recommended three months' pheasant shooting last year: the Government decided for two months only.— am, etc., Member of Council.