THE GAME LAWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 352, 1 April 1910, Page 8

THE GAME LAWS.

OPEN SEASON I "OR ONE MONTH. THE QUAIL NUISANCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchureh, Last Night. The Hon. L). ]iinitio states that in view of the numerous petitions forwarded by acclimatisation societies asking for the suspension of section 2G of tile Animals Protection Act, which makes 1010 a rinse for crnme, the Government has decided to recommend the Governor to suspend the operation of the section as regards black swans, grey ducks, and imported name for a period of one month from 14th May next. This will apply only to those districts that have specially applied for an open season, and only to tho>o varieties of game for which exemption from the provisions of the Act has been asked. The Minister states that it- has been reluctantly decided to recommend this course. The evidence before him is very conflicting. Many sportsmen in country districts and farmers recommend that the provision for a close season bo adhered to, -while a number of acclimatisation societies, agricultural and pastoral associations, and a few sportsmen in rural districts strongly recommend an open season for at least some classes of game. The Minister understands that, considerable benefit has been experienced in some States of America by the institution of periodical close seasons, and considers that the provision made by Parliament is generally right. There is no doubt, however, that quail are very plentiful in some bush districts, and are becoming a serious menace to farmers' grass seed on newlysown bush land; and he has evidence before him that goes to show* that they are responsible to some extent for the spread of .blackberry. No other variety of game seems to be over-abundant, and conditions senerallr anpear to be such that it has been decided to recommend an open season for one month as stated.