WAR ON SHAGS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1926, Page 1

WAR ON SHAGS

OFFER FOR HEADS INCREASED. WELLINGTON, June 8. Naturalists and (anglers differ as to the depredations of shags in our trout streams in the North Island. However, according to the Department of Internal Affairs, the shag is the host of a worm parasite which 'affects lie rainbow trout in the waters of tbe thermal region. In this locality the shag is again increasing in numbers. Tlu> menace lias caused the Department lo renew its eriHide against the birds, and tho Hon R. F. Bollard announces that it lias been decided to reintroduce the reward for tho destruction of the birds, and that 2s Cd was to be offered per head of those killed in tlie thermal district and at Lake W.iikaremoana. When it, was discovered by a scientific investigation, said the Minister, that the shag was responsible for the appearance of a worm parasite in trout, the Government commenced action against the birds, and offered to pay Is per bead for all birds destroyed within tho Rotorua district, but few birds were brought in. A further inducement was given to a number of men by supplying them with free ammunitions, but the results were still unsatisfactory. Later, men were specially engaged to destroy sliaggeries, and .a toward of 20s a hundred was offered for shags’ eggs.

In 1011 the price paid per head ’.ms raised to 2s Gd, with the very satisfactory result that an average of 1000 birds were destroyed annually in the thermal district.- The results in the pinst of the raids specially organised by the Department with selected men had proved so poor that they were discontinued. and it was'resolved to rely tniirely on fcho bonus system. A further method-.was adopted by the sending of a Departmental officer to the principal shaggeries during the nesting season to destroy as many eggs and young birds as possible. Numbers were destroyed by that, process, but the work proved difficult and not particularly successful, as the shags, when disturbed, sought fresh haunts. The Department had reported, saul Mr Bollard, that of late the birds again appear to be on the increase, and as it is stated the price of Is 6d per head does not pay any person to tro* out shooting them, it has therefore been decided to again tfaise the amount to 2s Gd per head, in llie hope that this increase will bear satisfactory results in the war of extermination on these pests.