ENEMIES OF GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22398, 20 April 1936, Page 12

ENEMIES OF GAME

HAWK DESTRUCTION PAYMENT OF BOUNTY SUGGESTION OF TRADING A change in'the scheme of payment of a bounty for the destruction of hawks, stoats and weasels by tho Auckland Acclimatisation Society was sought by members at the annual meeting of the society on • Saturday night, it was pointed out that a good portion of tho vermin paid for undoubtedly came from the territory of other societies which did not pay a bonus.

According to the annual report. 14,743 pairs of hawks' feet and 6036 stoats' and weasels' tails were sent in during the past year at a cost to the society of £368 and £l5O respectively. Unless kept in check, these vermin would take a heavy toll of native and imported game, but it was an open question how many would be killed if no bonus was given by the society, added the report. Sportsmen and many farmers killed on sight without thought of reward, while rabbit trappers would undoubtedly kill the same number without the bonus. There was no doubt, however, that some of the vermin paid for came from other territories, and the lifting of the bonus might be considered unless the fund was augmented by the State or by other bodies.

Commenting; upon the report, the president, Mr. F. E. McKenzie, said it was to be borne in mind that vermin must be continuously fought. There was no doubt that money was being paid out for hawks from other districts, particularly from Hawke's Bay and the Wairarapa. The policy was wrong, for it should cover all societies in the North Island. "What I would like to see would be a North Island vermin control board," said Mr. McKenzie. "I have not had much faith in bounties of any kind, and I consider it a better method to leave the destruction of vermin to those interested," said Mr. R. A. Falla. The number of hawks in a district was not materially affected by killing as, where the hawks were plentiful, with a shortage of food, perhaps only one young hawk would be reared. On the other hand, with an abundance of food, as many as five or six young birds would leave the nest.

The secretary, Mr. G. SI. Gordon, said there was every reason to believe that money was being paid for vermin from other territories. Some rabbit trappers traded in hawks' feet, and stoat and weasel tails, and perhaps found it more profitable than the rabbits. According to returns, Waikato was the most vermin infested district.

It was decided to recommend to the council that consideration be given to the establishment of a North Island control board. Should a control board operate, the society would be prepared to continue to pay a bounty of 6d.