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(6) International Conference for the Protection of Nature, Brunnen, Switzerland, June, 1947 While the New Zealand Government was not represented at this widely attended Conference, a message was sent indicating that if an international organization came into being which was widely representative of the various national Governments the question of New Zealand's membership would be placed before the Government for decision. D. Wild Animal Pest Control Operations (1) Operations General operations were again conducted this year over a large portion of the deer- and goat-infested country of New Zealand. Control measures for deer, &c., were conducted in the Lake Waikaremoana region up to the end of February, when operations were temporarily discontinued for the purpose of making this region available to sportsmen for a period of ten weeks over the rutting season. During this period 212 deer, 81 wild pigs, and 10 wild cattle were destroyed. With the fall in prices received for deer-skins, it is evident that private shooters are not operating to any considerable extent. In an effort to assist Britain in the provision of dollar funds, skins were recovered this year from localities where normally skin recovery would not be undertaken. Altogether, 12,403 deer-skins, 6,744 goat-skins, and 1,233 wallaby-skins were recovered. Special Campaigns.—Wallabies and Opossums : During the year experimental campaigns were conducted against these animals. Valuable information for use in any future campaigns was obtained. Wild Pigs : Following on representations which were received from interested persons and organizations, a campaign was undertaken against these animals on unoccupied Crown lands and on areas under the control of the State Forest Service in Taranaki and the western King-country. No operations were conducted on any land in private occupation in the area. Much assistance, however, was rendered to farmers by advising them of the location of carcasses of wild goats killed by the Department's operatives in order that such carcasses could be used by the farmers as the bait essential to poisoning pigs on their properties. The farmers took full advantage of this, with beneficial results. Special facilities for obtaining poison and advice as to methods of use were also extended to these farmers. Tahr and Chamois : Operations were conducted against these animals in the Mount Cook region, and excellent results were achieved. It is evident that these animals are spreading and that, owing to the difficult nature of the country in which they are located, the problem of control will be a difficult one. It is intended to intensify efforts next year, and it is confidently anticipated that success in achieving control will be the outcome. Stewart Island: Operations were continued with improved results. A party was employed this year in opening new tracks and on the construction of additional huts. At the end of the year, arrangements were in hand for the erection of accommodation for personnel operating on the island.

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