SHAG ROOKERY AT WAIKAIA

Southland Times, Issue 23947, 13 October 1939, Page 2

SHAG ROOKERY AT WAIKAIA

AID IN KEEPING PEST IN CHECK

A decision to continue its policy of assisting the Otago Society in the destruction of shags in the Waikaia district was adopted by the council of the Southland Acclimatization Society last night. Some members opposed the practice of the Southland Society. of shooting shags in the Otago acclimatization district, but it was generally agreed that the results indirectly were beneficial to Southland anglers. Mr O. J. Howells (Gore) wrote stating that although the shag rookery at Waikaia was in the Otago district the shags went down to the Waimea, Otamita and Mataura rivers in the Southland district and took a heavy toll or the trout. Last year a ranger, Mr E. Duncan, and someone on behalf of the Otago society made a trip to Waikaia and put in good work destroying the shags. “The local anglers would be glad if a similar expedition could be arranged this' season,” wrote Mr Howells.. “I suggest that you discuss the matter with Mr Duncan as to the best time for such a trip. I have written to the Otago Society suggesting that the two societies co-operate in this matter. n Mr W. Brandford pointed out that the area was not in the Southland district. “Let the Otago people come down here and shoot r our shags, he said. . , A member: But their shags come here and take our trout. Mr Brandford moved that the council take no action. Mr Eustace Russell said the council should not be narrow-minded about the matter. He suggested the council send a good local man with Mr Duncan and advise the Otago society that Southland was prepared to pay half the cost. “We started .this and we should continue it',” added Mr Russell. Mr Brandford: Send the ranger up our way and let him get some of the people who are fishing without licences. We could do with more ranging. ‘ The (Mr J. Robertson), said that the shags had to be dealt with, but it was of little use sending a man not fit to do the job. It was rough country, about 5000 feet above sea level. A member said it was impossible for the ranger to shoot all the shags in Southland and the ranger should be asked to concentrate on the shags in the society’s district. Mr Russell’s amendment that the council send a man, Otago to pay half the cost, was adopted.