Red Deer in the Wairarapa

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1886, 20 September 1886, Page 2

Red Deer in the Wairarapa

The honorary ranger ol the Wellington and AVairarapa Acclimntileaation Society I Mi .V Grace), in a report on the red deer of this district speak of “the pragenyofastag and two hinds ogriinally sent out by t he late Prince Consort to Governor 'Veld, who presented them to the late Drl'eatherslon, then Superintendent of the Province of Wellington. They were liberated on the property of Mr C. U. Carter, K*st Taratahi hut the country apparently not suiting them, they diet not slay. Subsequently crossing the Kuamahiinga Kiver they took up their abode on the Maungaraki Range and the adjacent country, which is evidently well suited for them, as they have made it their headquarters ever since. The kills are of limeatone forma I ion, and tho hush of an open character, the gallics being full of native fuschia, of which they are very fond. It constitutes their principal food in the spring and summer months, while in the winter they feed on koromiko and other shrubs. They do not apparently care much for grass. During the last tire or six years they have increased in considerable numbers, and are now firmly established in this psrt of the country. They have not spread st all to the north, nor yet towards the coast on tho east of tho Wainnioru Biver, and are virtually confined between the Kuamahunga Hirer from Uurunuiorangi on the weet, and the AVainuioru and Pahatu on the east. There are considerable numbers on Te Awsiti end White Rock runs. The ratting season commences in March, when the stags are easily to be found from the bellowing noise they then make." Mr Grace suggests that the shooting season should bk from January to April, and recommends a heavy penalty for shooting a bind at any time.

The price ol wool in the English matket continues to bo sustained.