MUTTON BIRDERS PREPARE

Southland Times, Issue 23768, 16 March 1939, Page 4

MUTTON BIRDERS PREPARE

OPENING OF SEASON ON APRIL 1 BIRDS EXPECTED TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION The mutton bird season will open on April 1, but already preparations are being made by the Maori families at Bluff, Riverton and Colac Bay to travel to the islands in Foveaux Strait and flax kits and other equipment are being prepared. Several families are now ready to sail and it is expected that the first mutton birders will leave this morning in Mr J. W. P. Thompsons motor-vessel Ranui. It is understood that fewer families will visit the islands this year than previously. Better economic conditions are suggested as one reason for this. Pohowhaitai Island, which in former years has produced as many as 50,000 birds in one season, will not be visited by a single person this year, according to a resident of Bluff who is familiar with the industry. Prospects are for a very good season and because of the smaller number making the trip, the birds should command a good market when they come to hand. It was stated yesterday that the birds had not been observed in any great numbers near the mainland this year and this was considered an indication of a good season. The absence of the birds from the port and other parts of the mainland meant that there was an abundance of food on the islands, and that indicated that the young birds would be in good condition. During the middle of the season—which normally lasts about 10 weeks — the boats which convey the 'mutton birders to the islands will go down to collect the “passage” birds and these will be the first to reach the markets. “Passage” birds are those which the owner of the vessel receives instead of a monetary payment for transporting a man, his wife, family and equipment to the islands and back.