THE DEER MENACE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 24, 29 January 1934, Page 5

THE DEER MENACE

.Approval of the deer-culling campaign launched by the Department of Internal Affairs was expressed on Wednesday by Professor Arnold Wall, on his return from the Mount White district after several' days spent in investigating the damage done to the vegetation" there by deer (states the Christchurch "Press"). He said that if their ravages were not chocked the deer would- eventually desta-oy the forest in the back country and menace the safety of the plains. Although there were still large areas of bush untouched, considerable damage had already been; done by- the animals. As they increased in numbers ithat bush which was still standing would, soon be destroyed. Culling would have to be carried on continuously to keep the pests down. The two men who were at present doing the 'culling for the Department were achieving valuable results. It was probable that they would be able to furnish a great deal of useful information as a result of their experience. Professor Wall' was a member of.a party which left last week for the Mount White and Esk Biver district to investigate the problem of shingle sliding, which has been due in some measure to the destruction of the bush by firo and deer. He spent the time, in inspecting plant and forest damage. During the week he climbed Mount.Tumbulij a treacherous peak of sliding shingle and crumbling rock, but he did not have a great deal of time to study plant life and vegetation.