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Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1930, Page 4

An optimistic view was expressed at the annual meeting of the \Vcstlami Acclimansaton Society, that it would be possible to stock the southern distri. t with opossums. Nominally, opossums are not south of the Hokitika river, but through various causes they have found their way south, and have been seen as far as Weheka. The industrial value of tne opossum has proved to be considerable, because the local lur is of good quality. The natural shelter oi the bush, and the feed available, seems to suit the opossum ami they thrive very well. Year, by year many have found lucrative employment at certain periods of the year trapping opossums, and if their held can be extended, more employment can be provided, and great wealth brought into the district. The local Society has derived considerable revenue from its •share of opossum royalties, and has .set aside £6OO in a trust fund, as a nucleus for stocking South Westland with the best breeds procurable as soon as the authority to do so is granted. The high back country of South West’and would prove an excellent locality for the spread of the opossum. It is remote from settlement and clear of all orchard's, The country is of little use otherwise, so that as a domicile for opossums, it should prove ideal. The Society has made a wise move evidently in seeking sanction from the authorities to liberate some of the best breeds procurable in the soutnern district. No doubt when permission is granted, selected locations will be chosen, and could he held as a sanctuary till the opossums become established. For the special locations the country could he blocked off s and areas granted to trappers with definite boundaries. If this were done 'the trapping would be under more direct control. It is known that many of the southern settlers are anxious to have the opossums introduced and no doubt financial assistance would be forthcoming if the Society finds itself able to move in the matter. It is to be hoped a favourable decision will he reached shortly on this matter. It has been in abeyance now for some years, and enough information should be available to permit of definite steps being* possinle to secure the introduction of opossums into South Westland for industrial purposes.