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Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1930, Page 4

Thf. conference at Christchurch lastweek regarding deer Control was well attended by representatives of all shade's of interest. ‘ The personnel 'embraced not only ac6limat'ikat<ion ; society delegates, but also delegations from farmers’ unions, sheep dwne'rs’ association, bird protection and sophical ‘ societies, ‘botanical 'experts, forestry, 1 land : ahd other ' representatives. According '“toil the made, there are* parts of the Dominion where the 'deet' are a Teal menace to the farmer, atfd a serious danger to the flora and the forest generally: The conference was remarkable for the 1 fact tnat no motion was submitted for discussion. The meeting took the form of a series of statements from various points of view, with suggestions a-s to what Might be done, and all this information Was noted for the information of the Government, on behalf of whom the Hon do la Perrelie, Minister of Internal Affairs presided. The 1 Minister stated, in conclusion, die would go into the matter with his officers and those of the Forestry Department, and recommend to Cabinet "a course of policy in the matter for the 'future, and this action appeared to be acceptable to the meeting. The business was facilitated by a' very clear statement at the outset of the Wishes of the Acclimatisation Societies in the 'matter, the representatives, of. whom had met m advance, and agreed to a course of action. There were, of course, demands by some of the speakers for the total extermination of the deer. This was believed to be an impossible task. But it is evident there will be more rigorous and persistent efforts at culling. It is not unlikely that chamois and thar will come under the ban also, and possibly the moose. Nothing good was said of the stoat and weasel, and those vermin may perhaps, also be destroyed without penalty in country not infested by rabbits. As affecting the culling of deer, it is expected the market now being created for hides will help to secure a. reduction in numbers, and to further this, experimental shipments have been sent to- the United States, Great Britain, and the Continent of Europe. The present price for hides with the Government subsidy for tails, is considered remunerative in some localities, and of course, in most instances is helpful as a partial refund on the cost incurred by the culling authority. The general intention is to declare war on the deer with a view to the greatest possible reduction in numbers, and it is expected the policy of the Government will be'ishaoed definitely in that direction, and a, close record kept- of the results achieved over a period of time.