KILLING OF KEAS

Southland Times, Issue 20833, 23 July 1929, Page 6

KILLING OF KEAS

REDUCTION OF SUBSIDY. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, July 22. The Minister of Lands giving an explanation of the Government decision to reduce the subsidy on the killing of keas from 5/to 2/6 said the subsidy of 5/- was made years' ago when sheep-fanners occupying high snow country were encountering difficulties. In view of the fact that in recent years the price of wool had improved it was considered the subsidy on killing keas could be reduced. Representations had been made to the Government by those interested in alpine-climbing that the bird should not be exterminated by inducements to indiscriminate killing especially as the bird could not be considered by any means to be a vulture. The bird caused a considerable amount of loss to sheepowners and it was recognized in areas where the bird caused depredations its members should be restricted but it was not desired that the killing should be carried on in districts where the bird did not attack sheep at aIL The Government realized its responsibilities in districts where keas were known to attack sheep and for that reason it had been decided to pay a subsidy for their destruction so as to keep them in check. That was the reason why the subsidy even though it has been reduced was being continued.