THE KILLING OF KEAS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 173, 23 July 1929, Page 7

THE KILLING OF KEAS

REDUCTION OF SUBSIDY EXPLANATION BY MINISTER [ Per Press Association. ? WELLINGTON, July 20. The Minister of Lands in giving an explanation of the Government’s decision to reduce the subsidy on the killing of keas from 5s to 2s 6d. said the subsidy of 5s was made years ago when sheep farmers were encountering difficulties. In view of the fact that in recent years the price of wiol improved it was considered that the subsidy on the killing of keas could be redtueed. 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 bird could not be considered by any means to be a vulture. The bird caused a considerable amount of loss to sheep owners and it was recognised in areas where the bird caused depredations, that its numbers should be restricted but it was not desired that killing should be carried on in districts where the bird did not attack sheep at all. The Government realised its responsibilities in districts where the 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.