ACCLIMATISATION

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4260, 21 January 1901, Page 7

ACCLIMATISATION

SOME NEW PROPOSALS

Tlie proposal is likely to be shortly placed before the acclimatisation societties of the colony that they should merge themselves into the new Tourist Department established by the Government, thereby securing a central administration and preventing the diffusion of authority and waste of money which at present takes place. It is pointed out that if the fees accruing from Jicenses were merged into' one fund, large importations of fish and game could be made every year and distributed over the colony, as an alternative to the haphazard methods at present prevailing by which each district, acting on its own initiative, imports small, and therefore expensive consignments of birds, beasts, or fishes without being able to ensure their proper upkeep and supervision while on board ship. It is admitted that at the present time large sums of money are absolutely wasted in administrative expenses by district acclimatisation societies which, if pooled, would amount to a very, bandsome sum. In Mr T. E. Donne, the head of the new Tourist Department, we have an enthusiast in matters of sport; also a level - headed man who could be trustboth in the purchase of game and its ed to act fairly by the whole community, distribution. Mr Donne knows, perhaps, as much as any man in the colony about the localities in whicli different variet J es of game would be likely

1 1 thrive and flourish ; and he. would b‘ sure to interest liimself in securing the stocking of localities like Tougariro Park and other reserves which, in time to come, would make excellent preserves. The licenses for shooting ever these reserves would considerably augment the*, revenues of the Tourist Department; which could then re-double its_ efforts in the cause of acclimatisation. 'An arrangement such as has been here sketched would have the additional advantage of putting an end to the friction which has arisen from time to time in reference to the opening of the shooting season in different localities. Ministers would he likely to listen to the advice of their departmental experts, whilst as it is thev are merely distracted by the conflicting representations of interested disputants. Of course it would he impcssihle to satisfy everybody, but uniformity of action would be obtained, and that would compensate all minor disadvantage. Another proposal which has been made, but which is perhaps more open to discussion than those aforementioned, is that the stock inspectors throughout the various districts should also act as rangers. Of course it would be well if the stock inspectors could he induced te interest themselves in acclimatisation : hut even the prospect of a substantial reward for securing the conviction of poachers would hardly reconcile the gentlemen of the Stock Department to act as Crown witnesses in prosecutions for breaches of the game laws.