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Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1928, Page 2

The Westland Acclimatisation Society like all similar organisations has important duties thrust upon it in respect to tho fish and game life of the Dominion. This was emphasised at the late meeting of the local Society, when in one instance a reference was made to the preservation of the White Heron which for a long time past lias made its haunts at Okarito. The residents there are very zealous in the protection of theso rare and handsome birds, but there is always the fear that some intruder with a gun may take toll of tho birds in question. These are not by any means numerous, being limited to about half a dozen, and it believes the public generally 'to share in the task of protection, and it is to he hoped with the publicity being given that freator vigilance will he displayed and by active care on all sides it should bo possihlo to prevent any ruthless destruction. Another matter mentioned was the sawdust in streams affecting the white-baiting. It is highly essential, as was mentioned at tho meeting of tho Society, that sawmilling proprietors should respect tho agreement of former years not to deposit waste in the streams during tho whitebaiting season. The whitebait now nave; a considerable commercial value but this, is detracted from if sawdust is allowed in rivers during the catching, season. There are several mills adjacent to the Hokitika river, and owners should make a special effort to comply with a request which is certainly not unreasonable in the light of tho legal position. Thereby the industry can bo assisted greatly and happier relations will certainly exist. Tho liberation, of opossums was also on the tapis. This was again refused. by the Government, which it would appear is influenced by the Bird Protection Society. The assertion is ttyit the opossum is an enemy to bird life, while the trapper who lays poison ostensibly for opossums, also affects the bird life seriously. The Society is calling a meeting of trappers shortly, and their views on the points raised might well he ventilated. The opossum has a material value ns is being evidenced in successive seasons, and seeing that the animal is not decreasing seriously, despite the large takes annually, the question of securing the host class of fur should not be ignored. For that reason the opinion of trappers of experience should throw a considerable amount of light on tho issues which have been raised.