DESTRUCTION OF SHAGS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2384, 13 February 1915, Page 8

DESTRUCTION OF SHAGS

IN NORTHERN FISHING LAKES. In a recent issue of the "New Zealand Herald" a statement respecting the excellent sport that has been obtained by anglers ui the Waikato River contained the following:— "It is to be regretted that sonje 'serious attempt is not being made to lessen the numbor of shags, as there is every indication that these voracious cormorants consume a largo amount ofthan imported trout food, tho Koura (fresh-water crayfish)." _ • In view of i this, a report just furnished to tho Under-Secretary of the. Department. of Internal Affairs Ky Mr. F. Moorhouse, Conservator of Fish , and Game, at R-otorua, is of interest, as showing how the shag pest is being dealt with in the thermal regions. Tho report states that during the period from May to December, 1914, one thousand full-grown shags have been destroyed (the payment' for heads amounting to £125), besides eggs and numbers of young birds in the nest. In various parts of the district certain persons who make t it a rule to destroy theso birds are doing good work. Experience has shown that these :ien, being well acquainted with the habits of the shags within their part of the' district, ore more efficient agents of destruction than would be men specially engaged, but not acquainted 'nth the remote localities where the' shaggories xvo.to be found. At Taupo each launchowner or drivor carries a gun for tlio purpose of shooting shags, and at weekends shag-shooting parties, both at Rotorua and Taupo, carry on tho good work which, of course, brings to them no little financial reward. Tho natives in the vicinity of tho other lakes never miss an available bird.

The following tablo shows tho heads received per month May, 188; June, 118; July, 120; August, 97; September, 44; October, 106; November, 108 j December, 130; at Taupo Lake, 89: total, 1000. ■