Canada Geese

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 442, 30 June 1992, Page 4

Canada Geese

• The article about Canada Geese which appeared in the Bulletin carmot be allowed to pass without a reply. This article is an attempt to get another cost imposed on land owners. The history of Canada Geese in the Waimarino goes back approximately seven or eight years to when an approach was made by 'Ducks Unlimited' representatives to the Waimarino Branch of Federated Farmers to breed and liberate these birds in this district. It was stated there was an agreement between 'Ducks Unlimited' and the Internal Affairs that this could only be done in agreement with local Federated Farmers and that the numbers could easily be controlled. Waimarino Federated Farmers contacted Canterbury Federated Farmers and ascertained the problem in that area and thereafter refused permission. Some 12-18 months later another approach was made to Waimarino Federated Farmers and was again refused. In the following year or two it was rumoured that Canada Geese were being reared in the Waimarino. Now in 1992 there are apparently some 400500 birds in this area which are a cause for concem to farmers and Taranaki Fish and Game Council and the cost of control has become an issue. In my opinion, the cost lies squarely with 'Ducks Unlimited' (if they are still operating) and with an unrestricted limit for hunters. The manager and members of the Fish and Game Council would be buying a fight if they expect the land owner to carry the cost. There seems to be a corollary in this issue with the possum which in the past seems to have had protection and now is a maior problem.

DS

' Bennett

Raetihi

Rest home thanks • May I through your column, advise the folk in the Waimarino District that the steering committee for the proposed rest home for the Waimarino have opened a small shop in Raetihi (where the Pot Pourri shop used to be) and are seeking more volunteers to man the shop for a few hours during the day. As well, we are seeking donations of anything saleable. If you can spare any time at all we would be most grateful for your help. Please feel free to pop into the shop and offer your services. We realise that this

shop is only a very small fund-raising efforf in the mammoth task ahead of raising thousands of dollars, but every little bit helps and we appreciate any help at all we can get.

Faith

Wise

Member of the Steering Committee Rest Home for the Elderly in Waimarino Local representation • Thank you Mr Olsen, for the kick start. Haven't we all seen it - the lies or should I spy half-truths that we get fed daily from the government, big business or media. We have all seen the loss in the community - post office, town council and hospital services, we are that close to Rural Delivery down the tubes what do we do? Bleat and moan and go on? We need to make deci-sion-making as close as possible to the people and the place that it affects and with a proper balance between the elements ie time, resource ability, real need, etc. We need to learn to live and communicate together, learn to act in our best interest not just 'me'. The time will come soon when we are asked to make one of those choices. Do we want proportional representation or first past the post? I know as well as they can they are holding this boat steady just for that purpose. But a vote for PR means government must come clean. The smaller person ie Maori, Social Credit, Greens, Newlabour etc will have a say and who knows, maybe we will have control of our own hospital, roads, post office, power etc. If we don't, what do you think they will sell next? Manapouri? BNZ? Or us into poverty?

Martin Dekker

Jnr

Raetihi