Call made to stop slaughter

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 49, 20 June 1974, Page 3

Call made to stop slaughter

If the continued whole- - sale destruction of game and animals is to carry on unabated for commercial and personal gain, the future of sport hunting over much of New Zealand is in question, the Taupo branch president of the Deer Stalkers' Association, Mr Keith Draper, told the annual meeting. It was hoped that the Government would rationalise the country's dwindling game resources so that sportsmen seeking only a trophy or meat for the pot would not have their chances ruined by "unscrupulous" commercial interests. "It is also to be hoped that the collapse of the German venison market becomes permanent," said Mr Draper. In presenting his annual report, Mr Draper said national attention had been focussed on the Taupo district when the Magistrate's Court ruled that the Taupo County Council must instruct the owners of Poronui Station to dismantle the fences blocking the dedicated highway to the Oamara River. The successful case opened the way for other unformed roads in New Zealand to be used by the public wishing to gain access to the back-country. The case also showed what a dedicated and organised band of sportsmen could do. Mr Draper said access to the Kaimanawa Forest Park continued to be a problem — but with the Forest Service working on the matter, it was hoped to have it resolved to a certain extent soon.