WHITE SWANS ON ROTOITI

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22107, 13 May 1935, Page 12

WHITE SWANS ON ROTOITI

Sir, —May I raise the point of the undesirability of the permission granted by the Minister of Internal Affairs for swans—white or black —to be liberated on fishing waters. Rotoiti as a fishing lake has been steadily going back for years past —for months of the present season it was impossible to take a fish on fly or spoon—and it is very desirable that the food supply should be considered and preserved. Leading ornithologists are now looking sideways at the swan. He is a very combative bird where food is concerned, and with his voracious appetite and telescopic neck lie gets everything there is to be got. Whether he takes fry or ova, I do not know, but the flavour of the flesh is fishy enough to satisfy most folks. I do not think anyone should have permission to turn a waterway such as Rotoiti into a private sanctuary. It is the most beautiful of all the lakes, and should be free to all to use and enjoy in healthy, law-abiding pleasures and pursuits. If anyone wishes to set up a private sanctuary, good and well —there are numerous small ponds and lakes where the birds would be safo and their presence enjoyed Iry many people -who would never have a chance of seeing them on Rotoiti. Resident.