The Value of Opossums.

Otago Witness, Issue 2104, 21 June 1894, Page 21

The Value of Opossums.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — In the Witness of the -7th inst. you have a note re opossums. -I agree with you in that they will become a valuable asset, and also that they may with advantage be liberated nearer hand than Catlins.

As the habits of oposs ims are nocturnal, and during the day they lie curled up in some holes of a tree, there would ba great danger from fires in clearing bush, as there would be noescape for them in such a case. To ensure safety they should be liberated In bush which would be untouched. I wbuld consider the waterworks reserve highly suitable, as there are any quantity of broadleaf, hini bini, and konini leaves foe food, as well as shelter in. the holes of the various trees . In Australia they are caught by the natives at night by moonlight, or during the day while asleep. They find them, out by examining the bark of the tree, as thero is always the scratching of their claws on thet bark of the trees wfiich contain opossums. They* are perfectly harmless and make excellent pets. The racoon is even more valuable both foe, flesh and fur. — T am, &j., Wfaate Flat, Juns 8. J. D.

At a meeting of the Canterbury Education' Board a motion — •' That the school committees of WestChrj-jtcburcb, B^st Christohcrch, Syden» ham, and the principal of the Normal School be requested to arrange a modification of tha staffs and their salaries, reducing the ou'lay of! their respect 1 ye schools by 2£ per cent., to taktt effect from October 1 next " — was lost on tha castin g vote of the chairman . 1 1 was stated tha f> the silaries paid to East Curisrchurch amounted to £3031 7s sd ; West Christebu.-ch to £2519 16s 7d ; Normal School, £2136 lla ; Sydenhaw £2562 15s 9d ;— a total of £10,248.

At Chri*tchurch on Friday, John Evans wa<* charged with driving a traction engine along tho road without haviug men travelling in front and tit tho rear of tho engine to prevent accidents. The defence wa.« that when a horse approached defendant always stopped the engine, and his assistant", if necessary, led the horse pa3fc. A quantity of evidence was given to show that; this practice obviated tho necessity of having; men in froui of the engina. Tho magistrate &t.id the act had not been complied with, and he vrus bouad to conviob, but at the request o? iloreadani's counsel made tho fine £s, 'to en&blj an appeal to the Supreme Court.