AN EXPENSIVE SPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1924, Page 1

AN EXPENSIVE SPORT

STALKING IN FIORDLAND. MASTERTON, April 13. Air Vivian Donald, of Alasterton, who, with Afr L. Alurrcll, of Alaliapouri, made a pioneer expedition into the Fiord Country last year, stalking wapiti and moose, lias returned from his second visit, and though he did not experience lust year’s luck he speaks as being well .satisfied with the trip. On this occasion the expedition comprised three members, Air H. E. Hart (Alasterton) prominent among Wairarapa’s successful deer stalkers, being one. T his year’s visit was confined to virgin country far to the north of tho scene of last year’s cativities, where the moose abound, the stalkers deciding to leave this country to newcomers. From Alanapouri, the party trekked overland to Deep Cove, at the head of Doubtful Sound, thence by launch up

the coast to Caswell Sound, at the head of which the first camp was pitched. From hero due north-east two more camps were struck. “Leaving the head of Caswell Sound, the stalker appreciates the realities of the wapiti country,” stated Air Donald. “and as one who has now been twice to the locality, I would like to express the opinion that the Survey Department’s map, which is the one stalkers look to as being'correct, needs considerable adjustment before stalkers cap rely on it to any degree. For instance, Lake Alarchant,, named after the late .Surveyor-General of the Lands and Survey Department, is shown due north-east from the head of Caswell Sound. On our first visit we searched for three days for it without avail. On this occasion we found it due southwest. Rivers, likewise, that do not exist, are shown on the map, and prove very misleading even on one’s second visit. .Mr Donald speaks confidently of the future for stalkers, as ample evidence was found that the herd has bred well, although, owing to the rugged nature of the country, they have not yet spread very far. One Wapiti only was secured oil this occasion, a 13-poiutcr falling to the rifle of Air Hart in very precipitous country, which meant a. long and strenuous carry hack to civilisation. One of the best herds reported fell to the stalking of Air Jlor- i rick, of Hawke’s Bay, the bead regis-j tering only eight inches below the American record. .Speaking about Iho head. Air Donald considered it should he sent Home to the Exhibition, as i; was easily tho best that had yet been taken from that country. There was yet a chance of a good head being re- j ported, as -Mr Twigg (Auckland) had, gone south to moose country. I “Will you try the National Park j again next year,” was asked of Mr I Donald. “Well, Ibis is the second .season with no moose caught, and there, is a big prize wailing lor someone. !, think I shall try again. Seven licenses J only are issued annually, and that the , sport is prohibitive to all bub a low, is evidenced by the fact that Mr Herrick's party bad to pay .CIO per day j for a launch in which they cruised for ;

days. Equipment, accommodation, travelling expenses, and licenses, are additional charges which, weighed against the possibility of a head, make it a cherished possession if bagged.