GETTING RID OF DEER.

Shannon News, 25 August 1925, Page 2

GETTING RID OF DEER.

ALL PROTECTION LIFTED. The Government has come to an important decision regarding the red deer pest in New Zealand. It has decided to lift the protection so that anyone can shoot them, and shoot them all the year round. Of late years from all parts of the Dominion there has arisen a chorus of complaint from settlers in regard to the depredations of deer. Sir George Hunter, member for Waipawa, who has been one of the most persistent advocates—both in and out of Parliament—of the destruction of, deer, again referred to the matter when the Internal Affairs estimates were being considered in the house. He said the deer were becoming more and more numerous, and were causing great damage to the native forests, and settlers' farms and fences. They were increasing quickly at Waikaremoana, where they were destroying the bush. The Hon. Mr Bollard said that last year £IOOO had been voted for the destruction of the pest, but only half 1 of it had been spent. Two shillings a head was paid for killing deer in the South Island, but nothing was paid in the North Island. However, it had been decided to get rid of the deer altogether. (Hon, mombers: Hear, hear.) A member: All the deer? Mr Bollard: Yes. They can shoot them whenever they like. Another member: Right through NewZealand? Mr Bollard: Yes, except in certain blocks for which licenses have been issued this year. A memlber: Open slaughter. Another member: Good sport. The Minister's statement was received with much satisfaction and many "Hear, hears."