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Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1930, Page 4

The issue of the revised opossum regulations is of interest to many in the district who in the* past have ,been lucratively employed at the trapping business. Westland is fairly well stocked, though it is believed the take during the past two or three seasons has been so substantial as to deplete materially tjie stock in the back country. The Westland bush is a very suitable habitat and the opossums have done well, good furs being produced. The season this year may give a less return in quantity, but the quality should be maintained. At, the same time the market may not be as gopd, as prices are sa’tl to be down. Trappers, however, are showing considerable keen ess, and the favourite haunts will he well combed as usual. 'The returns from n good season are substantial and will be very acceptable this year when employment is so restricted. There have been several amendments to this regulations, which have been delayed rather in issue. Traps may now be set in trees, but so that the trap and its victim may fall to the ground when trapped. A new clause provides for the marking of skins by trappers with their surname and initials, license number, and year of operation, and it will be an offence to deal in skins not so marked This is to combat the illicit trapping that is alleged to go on in some quarters. The provision will safeguard the honest trapper and leave a new small loophole for 'i e dishonest trapper. The time for stamping skins at the close of a season is fixed more definitely. Many trappers hope I the block system for cutting up the country might be adopted. This is regarded as a siep in. the right direction, as each block holder would he a. ranger for his own territory. Doubtless this matter will be taken, up more earnestly after the present season. The season is limited to two months, believed in some quarters to be overlong, but that depends a great deal on tire weather experienced. On the whole the trappers wishes have been well met, and if llie present- weather cot tinues they should enjoy a good I season. !