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Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1927, Page 2

A contributor writes enthusiastically in this issue on the subject of the introduction of opossums to the southern parts of Westland. Experience has shown that opossums do exceedingly well in our forest areas, and the return of late years to those engaged in trapping has been most substantial. A new industry is growing up, providing much general employment, and creating a field for lucrative returns for those with the enterprise to go out and seek for the valuable skins. There is much hesitancy on the part of the Government in permitting liberation of

opossums 'to the southern district, though as a matter of fact the animals are gradually finding their way south. The objection to the spread of opossums in New Zealand came originally from the orehardists, and that objection has bad an influential objection on the departmental mind. It is a fact that tin l Acclimatisation Society as well as the State Forest officers have supported the request for the introduction of opossums in the south, but the consenting department is still slow lo move. Questions have been asked in the House, but the best answer to be oot was the reply that the matter would be considered! Tbe matter appears to rest at that stage, and tlie situation seems to call for another effort to endeavour to move the authorities. If a satisfactory reply is to hand it is the intention of the Acclimatisation Society to endeavour to secure the introduction of some of the host breeds of opossums to the district. There are certain localities which it is proposed to create as temporary sanctuaries for the new breed and afford time for them, to multiply lx-fore trapping would be permitted. This would ensure tbe good skins becoming more securely established, and the result would be all the bettor for the future of trapping in the district. Opinion is well settled as to the advisability of permitting the spread of the opossums*,, and it is a matter now to overcome the official objection which appears to be founded nr grounds advanced originally by orcliardists in fruit growing localities. As tbe southern district has not anv connection with the fruit growing, the ohjeefion does not apply hero, and the way seems quite clear for a favorable reply from the Minister on the point at issue. Tt is to be hoped the permission sought will now be obtained without, further undue delay.