CURATOR RESIGNS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23058, 8 June 1938, Page 14

CURATOR RESIGNS

STATE GAME FARM INTERFERENCE SUGGESTED CLUBS CRITICISE OFFICIALS [iJY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] ROTORUA, Tuesday Criticism of the fish and game section of tho Department of Internal Affairs, with reference to tho resignation of the curator of tho Ngongotalia game farm, Mr. J. Digby, was expressed at tho conference of district rod and gun clubs. Delegates expressed the opinion that Mr. Digby's resignation had been brought about by interference and lack of co-operation. A remit in connection with the matter, forwarded by Mr. A. J. lies, of ttotorua, stated that Mr. Digby, an expert in pheasant rearing, had been appointed by tho Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, to inaugurate tho rearing of birds at the new game farm situated ( on tho north sido of Ngongotalia Mountain. Minister's Assurance Mr. lies stated that the Minister had said at the outset that Mr. Digby was the right man and would receive all possible assistance and would not be interfered with. To assist the inaugriration of the work, which was commenced late in the season, a private donor who reared pheasants supplied 100 eggs and 40 broody hens, the resulting hatch being 95 per cent. For the first season Mr. Digby reared to maturity a total of 1100 birds, which was considered exceptionally good. - Neither tho help nor the advice of Mr. Digby was asked for when it camo to the liberation of the birds. The controlling officer simply sent out for the birds and liberated them where he thought fit, notwithstanding that Mr. Digby was the only experienced officer of the department capable of choosing the correct areas where the birds would have a chance of survival. Tho result was that the birds were liberated, in some cases, on most unsuitable areas, and in other cases on land where no shooting was permitted. Extra Costs Due to loading tho costs with running expenses of visits to the plieasantrv by officers who were of no help, to the fact that hen coops had cost £5 each where the cost should have been 10s, bringing the cost of each reared bird to 355, Mr. Digby resigned his position and left the district. Before leaving ho had stated that' if he was not interfered with he was prepared to supply birds at 5s each, which would allowquite a fair margin of profit. "In thus criticising departmental control and eosls, wo wish to give the Minister in charge all credjt for his initiative in starting a game farm, and trust that he will look into and examine the loading of costs," added Mr. lies. "Further, that when a new appointment is made no person shall receive this unless he is thoroughly qualified to carry out the duties pertaining to the position." Mr. lies referred to the seriousness of the resignation of Mr. Digby from his position as officer in charge of the game farm. He said it would not be easy for the Government to replace him with a man of similar qualifications.

Mr. J. Ormond, of Rotorua, said the Minister had obtained the services of Mr. Digby, but through the interference of departmental officers had since lost him.

The remit.was carried unanimously.