THE SMALL-BIRD PEST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2947, 7 September 1910, Page 10

THE SMALL-BIRD PEST.

IMPORTATION OF OWLS. (Fhom Oue Own Ccrkkspompext.) WELLINGTON, August 30. The experiment of importing the English owl as a destroyer of small birds was commented on to-day by the Hon. D. Buddo, Minister of Internal Affairs, who informed a Dominion reporter that so far something like 300 owls had been landed in New Zealand, various agricultural associations having obtained permission to import them on the ground that they would be useful as destroyers of small birds, which were a pest to orchardists and farmers growing grain. So far no general approval of the work of these birds has been received by the department, although several orchardists in Central Otago had stated that since the introduction of the owls their orchards have been free from the small-bird nuisanCn At the same time complaints liad been made that tho owls were destroying quail and small native birds which were considered to be very useful about gardens. After giving the matter careful consideration, the Minister has thought it desirable to await some evidence of the benefits derived from the introduction of the owls, and until some definite information approving of the work they are doing has been received by the department no further importations will be sanctioned. The cost of the destruction of small birds in grain- grow£.:* districts is, says Mr Buddo. a heavy drain on local bodies, and the damage sustained by fruit-growers is also severe. Any remedy that is easy of application ■would undoubtedly be approved of ; but in regard to owls the department is of opinion that it is wiser to wait for some definite evidence of the benefits from

their introduction before committing the J country to any serious- number of the birds. " Up to the present the birds have | only been liberated in the Hawke's Bay, j Nelson, Canterbury. Otago, and South- 1 land districts.