PROTECTION OF DEER.

Shannon News, 27 November 1925, Page 2

PROTECTION OF DEER.

“A NATIOiNAiL ASSET.” ' The impression seemed to have got abroad that the Government had lifted the restrictions in connection with the shooting of deer in-New Zealand, said Mr T. S. Withers, at a meeting Of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society. The consequence was that a great deal of illicit, shooting was going on, especially, in the Rotorua district. It ought to be made clear that the restrictions had not been lifted. The deer in. New Zealand were a national asset, an attraction to tourists, and should be conserved to a certain ’extent. 1

A spirited discussion arose whether the, request for the lifting of the restrictions was justified. Mr B. U. Barlow, Motumaoho, said he had stalked deer in all parts of New Zealand and his observations had shown that the deer did no damage to the forests. Mr K. s. Williams had made a speech in the House advocating the lifting of the restrictions. Mr Barlow said he had learned where Mr Williams had got his information, and found that the informant had selfish motives. He could, not understand how Mr Wil-' Hams had allowed himself to be misled. Other speakers also opposed the suggestion that the restrictions should be lifted. The chairman, Mr Whitney, said the government- had given a promise that no action would be taken until next year. - He added that the New Zealand Society was opposed to the proposal, and would use its, influence to prevent deer being opened to indiscriminate shooting.