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Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1928, Page 2

The matter of the liberation of opossums in South Westland ercip|X)d up again this week, when the subject was referred to at the monthly meeting of the Westland County Council. Some of the settlers in the far south district are advocating the liberation of tho opossums in that region. It is evident that the useful little animal does well all along the Coast, and as far as can be gathered is not responsible for any damage or destruction. It is a fact, also, that in any case opossums are spreading south, ami some have been seen in the W r aiho district. From all reports the season which closed in this district last Saturday, was as good as the preceding one, and the trappers have coma in front the back country generally very pleased with themselves. It is evident the industry of opossum trapping brings a considerable amount of ready money into tho district. Tt is calculated that for the two months the season was open locally, over £6OOO will be distributed among the trappers of this immediate neighbourhood. This is an indication, of the value oi the industry, and as was stated at the meeting of the County Council, it is something of a national loss that the authorities refuse permission to introduce the Letter breeds into the southern district. The settlors are not offerI ing any objection, indeed they are pressing for the introduction, and the Acclimatisation Society is prepared to expend a sum of money to secure tiic best apnroved breeds for the district. Still, without the official consent u

ap offence against tile regulations to introduce the opossums, and so nothing can be done till the ban is .removed. The oojcction of the authorities appears to be founded on representations from the New Zealand Native Birds’ Protection Society, which considers the opossum a raider on birds’ nests. Trappers of experience do not agree with this view. They assert from actual knowledge that the chief enemy of native bird life is the weasel which is protected as the natural enemy of the rabbit. However, both stoats and weasels travel much further afield than rabbit infested territory, and are themselves infesting the hush more or less. Many are caught in the opossum tra.jis. as a matter of fact. In view of the industry Which is at stake in this matter, some - concerted action should bo taken to pin the authorities down to a decision oil the facts, and for that purpose all possible evidence should lie supplied tho Government, which should lie invited to hold an enquiry into the IHisition.