PRESERVATION OF GAME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22824, 7 March 1936, Page 8

PRESERVATION OF GAME

AUCKLAND ACCUMATISATION DISTRICT , INCREASE OF LICENCE FEES (Peb United Pbess' Association) WELLINGTON, March 6. Commenting on the notice issued in the Gazette that the licence fee for killing "imported and native . game in the Auckland acclimatisation district has been increased from £1 to £1 ss, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr W. B. Parry) expressed the opinion that ground; game and water-fowl were becoming, scarcer every year, with a possibility of their being reduced to a -minimum that' had not before existed. - - With the objective of preserving the game, and consequently the sport, for the future, he considered it was only fitting that those who desired to take part in the sport should pay for it. The Auckland Acclimatisation, Society had recently made a request that the licence fee should be raised to £1 ss, with an undertaking that/ the extra 5s would be spent in rearing' and liberating an ' increased number of duck and ground game, and the Minister agreed to the increase in place of a close season, and the provision of a double fee during the following season. ..; jV' ■ , "This change was made in the Auck~ land district only," stated the Minister. " There is more unanimity among sportsmen in the Auckland district.than in any other place. There is a good opportunity there of trying the new licence fee to see if it will provide the means of increasing the game,"

The- Minister said he anticipated criticism, but the alternative to an increased fee was for the Government to take over the management of shooting and fishing rights from the acclimatisation, societies and run both, as the Government waa doing in the Rotorua district. He added that he hoped to discuss the matter with, all the organisations interested, and u t result a national policy could be formulated which would ensure the future of sport. ' .