OPENING OF THE SHOOTING SEASON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12565, 20 January 1903, Page 5

OPENING OF THE SHOOTING SEASON.

A deputation o£ those who usually like, to iiavo a shot at game waited on Sir J. F. Arnold, and mode rcpresentationr to liirn that if the request of the local Acclimatisation Society to defer the opening till May 1 were agreed to a large number of sportsmen would be debarred from taking out licenses, as tho only holidays open to them during the season were at Eastertide. Impressed by the arguments adduced, which had his sympathy, Mr Arnold at. .once despatched the subjoined telegram;— "Sir J: G. Ward, 'Wellington.—A deputation'representing over 300 sportsmen waited upon mo Saturday night and requested me to protest on their behalf against the opening dato for shooting native'game being fixed for the Ist May. as recommended by the Acclimatisation 'Society. They point out that the society give no reason fo: not opening the season on Ist April, as usual, and they contend that' there is no necessity for delay, a3 gamo is plentiful this year, and the breeding season is- not later than usual. I would point out that if tho. aeaeon does not commcncc before Easter the whole of the working class in this part of the colony will be deprived of their usual privilege. Further, I think that after the stand taken - / in Parliament by mysalf and other members on. tho Animals' Protection Bill, . « and tho fact that tho House fixed iApril 1 lis the opeping date for Otago, the Government shbuld pause before fixing any later date, unless the sooiety can show very strong reasons indeed. I trust that this matter will recoive your personal consideration, when I have no doubt the right thing will be done. Kind regards.-! F. ARNOLD."