MINISTER OPPOSED
INTRODUCTION OF BEAVERS AND MUSK-RATS. ' HARM FEARED. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, April 9. On several occasions representations have been macle to the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. J. A. Young) to allow' the introduction of beavers and musk-rats into the Dominion. The Minister states that he is definitely opposed to such suggestions, as he regards these animals as pests. “The beaver is certainly to be admired for its ingenuity,” said the Minister, “but it is not hard to visualize the havoc which it would cause in some of our swamp-drainage,or river-protec-tion areas, if it became established. The introduction of the musk-rat is desired, because from it the much fancied musquash fur is obtained. The musk-rat is a prolific breeder; two, three, and occasionally four or five litters averaging six or seven young each, are produced in a season, so that it is not difficult to visualize the possibility of the country being overrun with these animals in suitable localities, if their introduction is authorized.”
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Bibliographic details
Southland Times, Issue 22295, 10 April 1934, Page 4
Word Count
168MINISTER OPPOSED Southland Times, Issue 22295, 10 April 1934, Page 4
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