DUCKS DAMAGE CROPS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 611, 13 March 1929, Page 6

DUCKS DAMAGE CROPS

COMPLAINTS IN SOUTH OPEN SEASON DECLARED Press Association WELLINGTON, To-day. Many complaints have been received by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, from farmers, in the South of the serious damage created by the Paradise duck to their crops. They urged, with the support of the acclimitisation societies, that the ducks be allowed to be taken or killed during the coming season. The Minister announced to-day that he has decided to allow an open season during the first week in May only in the following districts, or parts of such districts: Ashburton lakes district, North Canterbury, Otago, South Canterbury, Southland. Waimate, Waitaki and Westland. Not more than six birds may be taken or killed per person per day. Referring to his decision the Minister said he anticipated some criticism from the champions of native birds. "I am just as much a lover of our native birds as anybody,” he said. "But when some ol those birds, as is the case of the Paradise duck, are increasing to such an extent as to do damage to crops, I think we should try a small open season for a week. "The close investigation I have made shows that the Paradise duck is taking poison laid for rabbits and there have been many casualties. I am assured that the granting of a short open season will be the means of driving them back.