PROPER SIGNALS ARE ESSENTIAL IN FIELD, DEERSTALKERS URGE

Taupo Times, Volume VI, Issue 289, 22 August 1957, Page 4

PROPER SIGNALS ARE ESSENTIAL IN FIELD, DEERSTALKERS URGE

Proper signals in the field, the licensing of gunsmiths as a guarantee of coinpetenee, and lower prices for ammunition for training purposes, were among the subjects discussed at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association. Mr K. East, secretary of the Taupo body, who with the president, Mr A. Pattersen, went to the conference, said that definite signals for tlie use of parties in the field were suggested by the Hawke's Bay delegate. Tlie scheme, which included a three sliort-period shot distress signal was to conserve amiimnition when one or more of the party were cauglit away from camp at night. This was referred to tlie executive for further consideration. Sliooting Accidents "In view of tlie reports 0 1 inferior work by some practising gunsmitlis, whicli could contribute to the increase in sliooting accidents, it was recOin- j mended that some system of licensing gunsmiths should lie adopted as a guarantee of competence," Mr East said. Tlie conference passecl a remit seeking amnmnition at a reduced rate for range sliooting, and to teach younger members how to shoot. Mr T. P. Wikson, representing ihe Federated Mountain Clubs, told of a safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of sliooting accidents. He said that reports of accidents nearly always stated tliat the person involved was a deerstaiker, when in fact he was not a memlier ot" 1lie association. He considered that more should lie done to educate the general public upon sliooting liazards.