MENACE TO CROPS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2736, 15 February 1910, Page 2

MENACE TO CROPS.

GREAT INCREASE IN GAME BIRDS

The Auckland AcclimnLTslumn Society recently applied to the lion. D. Buddo, Minister for Internal Affairs, for permission to make the present season an open one for the shooting of •game in the Auckland district. The desire to have this season an open one is held by most of the Acclimatisation Societies in the North Island on account of the plentifulness of game. At last week’s meeting to the Society the following telegram from the Minister was received:—“Referring to representations made to your secretary, I have to inform you that at present advised I am not prepared to recommend His Excellency to declare any district exempt from the provisions of Section 26 of the ‘Animals’ Protection Act, 1908,’ which fixes a close season for native and imported game for 1910, and every third year thereafter. —D. Buddo.”

To this communication the Secretary was instructed to reply that if the season' were declared .a close season it would mean that the income of the Society would be reduced by £520, and that such a reduction would render the Society unable to pay the salaries of its rangers. The Act of 1908 would, therefore, be ineffectual, since there would be no means of enforcing its provisions, and poaching and shooting out of season would be common. In connection 'with the attitude of the Society it is interesting to note that the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association has also forwarded to the Minister for Intenal Affairs, a protest against 1910 being a close season. The reason given for this protest is that game birds are now so plentiful as to cause serious damage to the crops in many districts. It is said that many farmers who have suffered by the ravages of the birds have declared their intention of taking steps to lessen the trouble should the Government make no move in the matter.