THE LEOPARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19143, 8 October 1925, Page 9

THE LEOPARD.

Sir.—ln order to allay the uneasiness of the people, some existing or purposely formed body, controlled or assisted by the City Council or by the police, should ut once be organised and set in motion to systematically search the territory Comprising Greater Auckland—or at least the western portion thereof. I feel certain that, sportsmen with shotguns and dogs would willingly give some time in searching a given area, ai d no doubt many young men would give up their Saturday's sport to assist in this cause. It is simply wonderful what can be done when there is an election of some kind afoot. If the Progressive Citizens' League or any other similarly established body got going, I am sure the leopard would soon be accounted for. Motor-cars could be used to transport the hunters and every available dog to allotted localities. Each party should have a leader and at least one sporting gun; ordinary No. 3 shot (especially if the shot was greased) would either disable or kill within 20vds. It would not be necessary to hunt in people's backyards. If the animal is stil! in the closely-settled areas it must be living on poultry, etc., and if there are any losses in this direction people should advise the authorities. If there are no such losses one must conclude that the leopard has either died or has reached the Waitakeres. If the latter is the case a reward of at least £IOO is not tco much to offer for it, dead or alive. Many hard words are being levelled against the council and its staff at the Zoo. No doubt they are doing their best, but lot the citizens assist, for surely it is a matter which concerns every one of us. I am ready with gun and car when called upon. H. ft. Jen-kiks.