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Canadian geese are still plentiful. These birds, owing to their alertness, are very hard to obtain, but shooters who persevere can obtain good results. Pukeko were plentiful. The sum of £226 was realized from the issue of game-shooting licences. This represents a slight increase on the 1946 season. (b) Absolutely Protected Birds. —Officers of the Department are vigilant in preventing the illegal taking of absolutely protected birds. It is interesting to note that these birds are doing well in such areas as Paradise Valley (Glenorchy) and the Eglinton Valley. Weka and blue, or mountain, duck have recently been observed in areas where they have not been seen for many years. Rock wrens also appear to be increasing. It seems evident that the consistent efforts to destroy vermin are resulting beneficially as far as these birds are concerned. (c) Vermin Control.—Under the scheme operated by the South Island Vermin Control Board, bounties were paid on tokens as under : Stoats'tails .. .. .. .. .. 1,711 Stoats' skins .. .. .. .. .. 204 Polecats' tails .. .. .. .. .. 55 Ferrets'tails .. .. .. .. 1,686 Ferrets' skins .. .. .. .. .. 90 Hawk's feet (pairs) .. .. .. .. 1,666 Hedgehogs' snouts .. .. .. .. 408 German owls' heads .. .. .. .. 165 (d) Ranging.—Two offences only were detected, the persons concerned being prosecuted and convicted. G. Inter-departmental Committee on River Pollution Further meetings were held and excellent progress was made with the compilation of a report on the collected factual evidence as to the present pollution situation. An explanatory statement as to the activities of the Committee was circulated to local authorities assisting the survey H. Glossary Grey duck (Anas poicilorhyncka). Rock wren (Xenicus giliventrus). Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Red deer (Cervus elaphus). Blue duck (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchus). Virginian deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Black swan (Cygnus atratus). Wapiti (Cervus canadensis). Canadian goose (Branta canadensis). Tahr (Hemitragus jemlaicus). Black shag (Pkalacrocorax carbo). Chamois (Rupicapra tragus). Pukeko (Porphyrio poliocephalus). Wild cattle (Bos taurus). •Californian quail (Lophortyx califomicus). Wild sheep (Ovis spp.). •Chukor (Alectoris chukor). Pigs (Sus scrofa). Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus and P. Goat (Capra aegagrus). torguatus). Polecat (Mustela foetidus). ■Guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris). Ferret (Mustela foetidus). Kea (Nestor notabilis). Stoat (Mustela erminea). Hawk (Circus approximans). Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). North Island weka (Gallirallus greyi). Opossum (Trichosurus vulpecula). South Island weka (Gallirallus australis). Wallaby (Wallabia rufogrisea).

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