AUCKLAND ISLANDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 157, 5 July 1934, Page 10

AUCKLAND ISLANDS

DECLARED A SANCTUARY. . NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA. OBJECTIONS TO FUR FARMING. According to a letter received from the Minister of Internal Affairs by the Auckland Zoological Society, a num- | ber of the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand have been permanently reserved as sanctuaries for the preservation of their native flora and fauna. The islands mentioned are Auckland, Rose. Disappointment, Enderby and Ewing Islands. Formerly pastoral leases of these were held but they have now expired. The matter has recently i>c?n brought up by a suggestion made by the Southland League that the industry of fur farming should be encouraged by the Government on these southern islands. The Auckland Zoological Society based its opinions on the matter in the interests of the indigenous flora and fauna, as well as concern for the human victims of any scheme for commercial development and industries in the sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand. The society states that it seems a matter of experience that these islands are unsuited for human occupation and progressive industry. Pastoral schemes have been attempted at Auckland and Campbell Islands, but these were unsuccessful even in times of good prices. Some of the reasons for failure were undoubtedly the irregularity of transport and the depressing effect, of the climate. It had been suggested that silver fox farming be undertaken, but. with the difficulties of control, there was a grave danger to such unique birds as the flightless duck and the island suiipe. The other animal suggested for commercial exploitation was the southern fur seal. In the absence of a reliable survey, it was considered a jusr’li'.ible conclusion that this animal was now so rare as to require rigid protection. The danger of poaching in this direction was considered likely to be increased by the presence of permanent settlers With a scarcity of seals, wholesale collection would be necessary, involving long delays to ships in the islands. The Auckland Islands are a group about 250 miles distant from the mainland to the south of Stewart Island They are of volcanic origin, with fer tile soil and a cover of ruK Ant are tie forest. Discovered in 1806 by Capt iii Briscoe, they were leased as a whaling station but were abandoned in 1552. Until recently, a depot for possible shipwrecked sailors was maintained on the largest island, and a Government steamer made periodical visits. Since the disappearance of sailing shq-s from these waters the visits have been discontinued.