THE ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY AND ONE OF ITS IMPORTS. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9045, 21 February 1891, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY AND ONE OF ITS IMPORTS. TO THE EDITOR.

S IB| Would you kindly allow me sotno little space in your valuable paper to make some remarks on the above. 1 noticed lately when reading your paper several accounts of the destruction to grain crops, turnips, &c, caused by small birds; also, that the writers recommended that Parliament should move in the matter. The havoc reported is no exaggeration of tlia rial stato of affairs. Now, who is to blame for this peat—the farmer or the society wliich imported the yEisII birds 'i My opinion U that the blame lies wholly wfoli tho society, as it did not consult the former wheu about to import these birds; and if Parliament is to moveiu tho matter the society should ba held responsible and forced to keep the small birds in check. The society is very strict iv come of its rules us regards trout, deer, &c. For instance: if the ranger can prove a man guilty of fishing or shooting without a license, tho mau i-: Siw't a considerable sum—perhaps £5, of which, i:i saiue cases, the ranger gets a good share i o wiks him '/ keen " (no matter if the small birds hnv» eaten half the culprit's crop). I would suggest that tho Government take an equally ntrici interest in tho society, and appoint a ranger fit the society's expense and forco it to keep the small birds in chock.—l am, &0,, Farmer. February 18.