LAKE HAWEA DEER PARK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3347, 8 May 1918, Page 23

LAKE HAWEA DEER PARK.

TO THE EDITOK. gj R) —Having just spent about three weeks in tho Hunter Valley, Lake Hawoa, I think a few remarks regarding tho famous deer herd of this locality may bo timely. I understand it is estimated that the flock of deer number some 40,000. My estimate isdouble this, at least, as tho country around and contiguous to the district is vast, and in many places accessible only to deer. In tho circumstances, would it not bo wise to uso somo of tho animals for foodstuff, instead of as at present, under expensive conditions, killing thorn for culling purposes and allowing the carcases to lio and waste? My suggestions are two: First, that the Government take tho matter in hand to deal with; or, secondly, that a company bo allowed to operate on the place and tin or preserve, say, 10,000 of the animals at a royalty of 10s per head. By this means tho Acclimatisation Society would receive £SOOO in royalties —a handy sum —and the sportsman's ideals would not bo jeopardised or interfered with in any way whatever. However, conditions suitablo to the occasion could be arranged. My opinion is that tho deer, as they stand, are worth from £3 to £6 each, and hi the market almost double that sum; therefore a company operating in the matter should easily make ncarlv 100 per cent, on its capital, besides supplying the people with a g-ood and wholesome article of diet. Trusting this question will be taken in hand by somebody more conversant with it than myself.—l am, etc.. Sportsman. Invercargill, April 19.