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Otago Daily Times, Issue 20905, 20 December 1929, Page 14

Recently tlic Arthur’s Pass National Park Board of Control obtained authority for the issuing of permits for the shooting of deer, chamois, and thar, in the area under its control (states the Christchurch Press). The board would like to clear the park of animals altogether, if possible, but this appears now to be a most difficult task. Thar and chamois have found the mountain region much to their liking, and have increased in numbers at a remarkable rate. Living at heights of 7000 and 8000 feet as they do, their extermination in the Arthur’s Pass region presents a difficult problem. On the slopes of Mount Rolleston—in fact, all along the eastern heights—they are now frequently seen by mountaineers and trampers, feeding on the flora which the board is anxious to preserve. Even the beautiful mountain lilies do not escape them. It is almost certain that the chamois and thar have reached Arthur’s Pass from the Hermitage region, but none has so far been seen on the West Coast side of the ranges. The hoard has taken the power to reduce their numbers, if necessary, and some good sport awaits those to whom permits are issued.