SPORTSMEN CAUGHT.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12469, 20 February 1909, Page 1

SPORTSMEN CAUGHT.

Some cutter ipen received an tin- JH pleasant surprise at Stewart Islancl^H recently. Rumours had reached t!j^^H mainland tliat-tourists had been shool^^H ing pigeons, and the ranger, whilg^H amoving a holiday at the island, de-TB 3ided to combine business with pleaslire. Hearing some Shooting one day ™ lie joined the shootist. who was on the seach firing at shags, and who mistook tiim for a tourist. Whilst the ranger ivas complimenting the~marksman on his skill the latter's mates arrived, put down a goodly .number of pigeons From the bush, and stood round as though expecting their sharo of compliments. These ./says the "Southlimes" took the form of a disclosure of the ranger's official status, a confiscation of the pigeons, and an intimation that the ofFender would hear some more of the story. But this was not all the trouble.. It is' an offence for cutters to carry firearms without permission, and the Customs sfficials, hearing of the affair, searchad ihe vessel on arrival "at the Bluff, and took possession of the guns.