THE DEER MENACE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 942, 8 April 1930, Page 16

THE DEER MENACE

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY REPLIES “IMMEDIATE ATTENTION” From Our Ow)i Correspondent TAUMARUNUI, Monday. “The society does not wish to protect the herd in view of the damage now being done. Very little revenue is secured by the society. Our policy is to co-oper-ate with the Government in the extermination of herds wherever the damage is found to be excessive.” In a lengthy letter to Mr. A. W. King, of Tunakotekote, who presided at a recent meeting of farmers held in Taumarunui to consider steps for dealing with the deer menace in the district, the secretary of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society makes the above interesting statement. The letter expresses surprise that no complaint of excessive damage being done had been made directly to the society, and gives particulars of cases in which farmers were given authority under section 14 of the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921, to shoot native or imported game without a licence during the open season. The society also claims to have asked for permission to allow stalkers to shoot over the properties (which permission was formerly refused) in order to keep the deer down. Other points made in t ie letter are, that in tho past stalkers in the Taringamotu Valley had reported that the deer were not numerous and there was little local desire for extermination on the score of damage; that the council resents the assertion of Mr. .Stewart that the herd is being protected to provide sport for a few at the expense of the farmers, as protection given in the past has only been given at the request of local people conveyed through the Rod and Gun Club; that the chief ranger, Mr. W. T. Routledge, had discussed the question with Mr. R. Handley, of the Taririgamotu Valley, within the past fortnight, and the estimated size of the herds showed a discrepancy; that the ranger suggested an organised drive at the end of the season, Mr. Handley agreeing that it would only be fair to allow legitimate stalkers opportunities to secure heads: that the council is in no way oblivious of the fact that shooters must look to the farming community for the preservation of game of all kinds, and is perfectly willing to co-operate with farmers in the strict control and reduction of the herd. In conclusion, the society's secretary remarks: —“The council trusts you will place our letter before jour fellow members and assures you that any request for assistance will receive immediate and prompt attention.”