THE FERRET NUISANCE.

Western Star, Issue 945, 6 May 1885, Page 3

THE FERRET NUISANCE.

TO THB BDITOB. gm, I notice in your report of the last meoting of the committeo of W. D. A., and P. AwocUtion that Mr Hoperoft, of Gummie s Bush, strongly objected to tlie turning nut and protection of ferrets. Up to the pre?* t not a single ferret h«s been turned out, hy Government nearer Gummie s Bush t">ai>the Waiau Flnt and at bnck of Or puki. so it is impossible that the increase of frrr-ts has been from this cause. lam also quite certain that Mr Hoprcoft is wrong in staling that 200 ferrets have been killed on Captain Stevenis run. Whilst thorouehlv agreeing with Mr Collie that the loss of a few fowls i* as not hing ojmpared to the good done by ferrets, should the farmers at the next mee'ing express a general opinion adverse to ferrets heme turned out, I will endeavor to carry out lh-ir wishes. the landowners further np country being only *too glad to get as many as can be hred for %ome time to come. Fanners mus', however, remember that if they oppose the turning out and protection of the natHrsl enemies of the rabbit, they must not complain of the bush reserves, Ac., * here it is impose to get it. tn*> rahhits by other mean*. Will not the fJlrets'also'hep to keep down the small-bird p«t;?.-TI »m, &c, _ I!'' , Alfred Douglass, Inwrcargill, M»y 2,1885. Inspector, j