BIRD DESTRUCTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 20, 2 November 1943, Page 5

BIRD DESTRUCTION

POISONED WHEAT URGED COUNCILLOR'S SUGGESTION OUTVOTED "There are two sides to this bird pest question," said Cr W. A. McCracken at the meeting of the Whakatane County Council last Tuesday, when Cr McGougan moved that the council purchase three sacks of poisoned grain for free distribution amongst farmers of thisl district. He went on to say that a similar campaign instituted at Te Puke some years ago, left the farmers with more grub pests than they could contend with and infinitely worse off than if they had left the birds alone. Mr McGougan argued that the birds on the llangitaiki Plains were becoming a real nuisance eating half the crops and doing inestimable damage. It was the council's duty in the interests ol' the ratepayers to try and overcome the pest. Cr Burt seconded his resolution. Speaking to the subject Cr McCreadv said, he would like to see the campaign for dealing with the bird pest carried out on the same lines as it was in this district, some years ago, when all fanners for miles around undertook to spread the grain at the one time in order to elfeet a clean sweep. On that occasion a splendid job had been done and the birds thinned out considerably. "Before we start making any re at ravages on our birds." said Cr McCracken, "[ think we should do some deep thinking. I know that at this time of the year the birds are had, but I know that it has been proved beyond doubt that the caterpillar and the grass-grub can be controlled bj r the bird life of the country and I tell you frankly I wouldn't have a hand in it. The bird pest is not as bad as that and [ will not advocate the wholesale slaughter of birds. Cr Smith agreed with, the last speaker saying he was definitely opposed to such action. There were a good many other pests that did much more damage to fanners crops than the birds. Cr MeCready: l.'d like to know when it has been proved that any bird eats the grass grub? Cr Cawte: 'I'll pick that, up—tlie imported starlings do ! Cr Ward law said he was also of the same opinion as Cr McCracken. The damage done by birds to standing grain was only a trille. Cr MeCready: What about fruit. One-third, of my erop was picked to pieces, Cr Lux ton said that in the South Island where wheat was grown extensively, birds had been in the past, extensh'ely killed by poisoned wheat, while, it bounty was also offered to school children to collect heads. The correct time for poisoning wa.j in the'winter when there was not much other i'oo.l about. In the spring the birds liked the green shoots and left the grain alone. Personally however he was of the opinion that the bird nuisance Was made far too much of. The motion that the council should purchase the poisoned grain was then put to the meeting and defeated by (i votes to 3.