SUBSIDY FOR KILLING KEAS

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1929, Page 13

SUBSIDY FOR KILLING KEAS

DEPREDATIONS IN SOME DISTRICTS

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Wellington, July 20.

Giving an explanation of the Government's decision to reduce the subsidy on the killing of kcas from 5s to 2s Gd, the Minister of Lands, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, said the subsidy of 5s was made years ago when sheep-farmers 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 ou the killing of 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 birds could not be considered by any means to be vultures. The bird caused a considerable amount of loss to sheep-owners and it was recognised in ureas where the bird caused depredations its numbers should be restricted, but it was not desired that killing should be carried on in districts where birds did not attack sheep at all. The Government realised 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 had been reduced, was being continued