OPEN SEASON FOR PIGEONS.

Southland Times, Issue 17969, 9 March 1917, Page 3

OPEN SEASON FOR PIGEONS.

To the Editor. Sir,—Can you inform me what steps should be taken to secure an open season for native pigeons ? Does the Acclimatisation Society have power to decide the matter, or does it make, representations to the Minister for Internal Affairs 7 It is now many years since there was an open season for these splendid birds, hut instead of increasing they appear to be decreasing in numbers. In many parts of Southland where they were plentiful even in recent years, there is now not one to be seen. As for the kaka, he will soon be as extinct as the moa, for building as he doe.s in a hollow tree-trunk the young and eggs are easily accessible to stoats and other vermin.

Would it not be reasonable to open the season and give people the benefit of a little sport, after be.lng on short commons for so many years ? There is no fear of any indiscriminate slaughter, as they will richly deserve all the birds they will get in CROYDON BUSH. (The secretary of the Southland Acclimatisation Society (Mr E. C. Leary) informs us that the Society has no decisive powers in this matter. The issue lies with the Minister to whom the Society may make a recommendation, but such recommendation must be made more than four months before the opening of the season concerned, as the announcement of any change has to be made through the Gazette four months prior to the opening of the season. It being less than four months till the beginning of next shooting season, there appears to be no chance of the protection being lifted from pigeons this year.— Ed. S.T.).