WANAKA NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1931, Page 6

WANAKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.)

YOUNG HORSES SHOT

MAKARORA, Alay 11

Two young thoroughbred horses and a thoroughbred mare with foal and in loal were found yesterday by the owner (Mr Eric James) shot side by ■side near his Haast Valley run. The owner had upon receiving disquieting advice ridden out and mustered his horses and found seven short. As the result of a search being made three recondy killed carcases were found all shot in the shoulder, apparently at close quarters.

Four- are still missing. Signs proved that the horses had been driven to the spot, the place being a nasty deep bend in the river amidst quick sands and an overhanging bluff.

Only three men are'believed to have been in the district at the time and it is understood the police will investigate. This is not the first occasion' recently when horses in this district have disappeared. , STALKING SEASON.

. All stalkers have returned from fhe dfeei-' foji;e-sts, 'but 1 f\here are several who are disappointed with their results. The most successful results came front unlicensed stalkers operating in the Otago open districts, the most outstanding being that of Air Smedley’s who had only a score of hours'* aside for stalking. Many are of opinion this i s the largest and most uniform head yet taken from the New Zealand herds. Mr Smedley is a State Forest Ra n «er and does a considerable amount of culling for liis department. Throve local men after 24 hours hunt in the Siberia branch of the AVilkin River, each secured a coveted trophy, one being a 20 pointer. Air Robinson’s party (Oamaru) took out three, including a good heavy royal. Alajor Loder after an extensive hunt 'in the samO awl adjoining blocks failed to secure any and returns to England much disappointed hut candidly admits the country is too rough at his time of life. Ranger Hodgekinson and party are culling in the Makarora Valley whilst several others are out upon .the strength of the Government bobu-s and cheap ammunition. It is believed many of the unemployed will interest themselves on these ‘.lines during the winter. Deer are becoming very thick in tile Haast Valley and seriously effecting the carrying capacity of. the grazing country. ITEMS. The Government survey party have reached to within three miles of tile Westland boundary. Only two miles and a few small bridges remain to be completed before the road connection to thy Haast Pass Track is possible. t The .mustering upon the surrotr'diiig stations have been completed favoured with fine weather. It is estimated 18,000 sheep were brought in during the last fortnight, ad. without exception, appearing in the best of condition. Prospectors hound for the further south districts in South Westland passed through tins week. A local grazier is Contemplating cutting aiq] forming a stock track into the Will’s Valiev (Haast District) for grazing purposes.