THE DEER MENACE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18976, 28 March 1936, Page 15

THE DEER MENACE

(To the Editor of the Herald.) Sir.—l am glad to notice that reference has been made in your journal to the condition of the forest reserves at Waikaremoana with respect to the depredations of deer, and I trust that drastic action will be taken to prevent the further depletion and spoliation of our national forests. I am sure that few realise the enormous increase in the deer herds since their introduction into the country, and the immense damage that has resulted from their uncontrolled increase. It is unfortunate that action in such matters is almost, invariably taken when too late, and when the cost of control measures becomes so great that little or no effort is made to repair the mistakes of the past. Witness what has happened with respect, to rabbits and blackberry. These are costing the country enormous sums in directly as well as directly, and it i-. doubtful if real control will ever be regained, at any rate with file measure.-, at present being taken by the authorities. It-is inevitable that if the Awr menace, is handled in the same lackadaisical fashion, the country will he overrun in the same way. Unfortunately for the country, those responsible for the introduction of these pests fail to realise the importance of the most elementary scientific: principle, that if animals or plants are introduced into a new country where the means of control by their natural enemies are absent, rapid and often destructive increase is inevitable. The various acclimatisation societies, aided and abette.d by the Tourist Department, are, of course, mainly responsible for the introduction of these destructive animals. The revenue derived from the few who require to refresh their jaded nerves by deer stalking and similar sports is negligible as compared with the immense damage, direct and indirect, wrought by these animals. If steps are not taken to bring this menace under control, the IoSvS of our forest heritage is inevitable, to the great loss even of the, tourist traffic, for the benefit of which these animals were first introduced.

With regard to Waikareinoana, it has been known for many years that deer have been increasing rapkUy there, as elsewhere, and little or no action has been taken in the matter. Similar damage by deer is taking place in the small reserve at Morere; it is up to the local authorities whether they are directly interested or not, to protest against the inactivity of those; in charge of our forest reserves. I note recently that Mr. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, is moving in the matter, and 1 trust that our local bodies will take up the question and impress on the Government the necessity of immediate and drastic action being taken with respect to Waikareinoana and other loral areas.—Yours, etc.. ARMOR.