NATIVE GAME.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4980, 12 April 1889, Page 4

NATIVE GAME.

Sir,—Have the sportsmen in Timaru got a grievance against Mr Perry that they are so down on him in their letters re the shooting of native game ? Does the secretary of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society realise that he is a caretaker of native game and that he is responsible to the people of South Canterbury for bis stewardship ? Would you kindly inform me who are the officers of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, and how it is possible to become a member? It is well known that many unprincipled persons who shoot for the pot have already started shooting in the back country, and even as close as the Hook and the Washdyke. What has become of the ducks one saw on the creeks and lagoons all the summer ? Are they already frightened to some few protected holes and swamps, which, by the way, are mostly owned by supposed prominent members of the above society ? Would the secretary of the society prosecute anyone who trespassed for game on his private land before the 18th instant? Of course he would. But why does he not prosecute those who are shooting on the creeks and lagoons about ? Are they not as much under his care as his own property ? I believe no enquiries have been made by the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society into any of the reported cases of illegal shooting. I am, &c., Enquires.