SPEECH BY MR SEDDON

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1921, Page 2

SPEECH BY MR SEDDON

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, October 7. Speaking upon the motion for tho second rending of the Animals J’rotwtion and Game Hill; Ml' SeddoH (West-' laiid! said hfe hoped that the Minister would not use the clauses relating to the constitution of Acclimatisation Societies and Districts to alter or abolish existing districts. There were some dis- ~ trieitu that though small, had been • battling on for many years, and if anything was to lie done to alter their districts or dishearten the societies, it would prove a severe set back to the good work they had undertaken. He wished also to suggest that in the case of small districts that did not show much of :i profit on their year's working some assistance might be given. On the West Coast there were two Acclimatisation Societies the revenue of which was not very great, hut which had enormous possibilities. If the Government could assist them bv storking their rivers .with fish and aiding in the importation of gam? for their forests, they would iii time he. able to show excellent balance^,sheets. Mr Seddon further suggested that iu some of the great state forests or N.7L opossums might he liberated. Investigators had stated thajt the animals did not injure the timber and it would he a good idea for the Government to liberate opossums where they could do no harm to settlers If the price of skins kept up it would mean a substantial gain to the country. With regard to Chamois, the member stated that advices from the Hermitage indicated that they had increased considerably. It was high time, however, that they were given an infusion of new blood, otherwise they would deteriorate