DESTRUCTION OF DEER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23595, 3 September 1938, Page 19

DESTRUCTION OF DEER

TARARUA AND RUAHINE RANGES THE GOVERNMENT'S PLANS (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Sept. 2. Plans are being prepared by the Fields Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs for making an onslaught on deer which have in recent vears greatly increased in number on the Tararua and Ruahine Mountain Ranges. The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr W. E. Parry) stated to-day that the operations of the official deer destruction parties on two ranges would commence probably at the end of next month and would extend for some time. The attack on the animals on the Tararua Range would be made from the Wellington-Masterton road northwards to Manawatu Gorge, and on those on the Ruahine Range from the Manawatu Gorge northwards to the Napier-Taihape road. "The damage being done by deer to the native bush on the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges," Mr Parry said, " is reported to be considerable, and strong efforts must be made to curb the depredations of the animals. Although, as I have said in Parliament recently, it is doubtful if New Zealand will ever be rid of deer, the Government can. by its extensive operations for the destruction of the animals, prevent them from over-running the country and doing great damage to our beautiful bush and lands of the adjoining farmers."