ACCLIMATISATION

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1929, Page 5

ACCLIMATISATION

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 18. There was a record attendance at the eighteenth conference of New Zealand Acclimatisation Societies wnich opened to-day. Mr L. 0. H. Tripp presided. In moving the adoption of the report and the balance sheet showing a credit of J&26 13s 4d, he said in the protection of native birds and game the Societies were up against stoats, weasels, cats, and hedgehogs. Trapping in the Societies reserve had been considered, but it- was realised it would be a waste of time as the vermin were so. numerous.

In the year before last 31,000 rats and 2,500 stoats and other vermin had been caught in Wellington district, and this year a new record would be established. In the same districts native birds were on the increase and this had been due to trapping. Mr Tripp spoke of culling operations by the Wellington . Society which should keep deer in check. Deer had not been introduced by the Society. The taking off of protection was no way to cure the deer problem. The only way was to . employ men to kill them off systematically. Enquiries, showed that opossums did not do damage to forests, birds, or bird foods as they took berries from the ground. /

The election of officers resulted:— President: Mr L. O. H. Tripp (Wellington).

Vice-President: Mr C. A. Whitney (Auckland). Treasurer: Mr J. S. Dyer (Welling 7 ton).

Council ; F. E. McKenzie (Auckland). F. H. Stockwell (Feilding), F. J. Dargaville (Hobson), Col. J. Hume (Nelson), C. H. Lawrence (North Canterbury), C. A. Wilson (Otago), T. R,. Mackny (South Canterbury), J. Gilki-: son (Southland), J. A. McKenzie (Tquranga), H. J. Duigan (Wanganui), G. J. C. Wiflfin (Wellington), J. S. Fleming (Wellington).