GAME BIRDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 April 1940, Page 7

GAME BIRDS

DRAINING OF LAKES & SWAMPS AFFECTING DUCKS CONSERVATION OF SHALLOW WATERS URGED. NORTH WAIRARAPA SPORTSMEN CONCERNED. “The annual meeting of the North Wairarapa Sub-Committee of Wellington Acclimatisation Society was held in the Y.M.C.A. hall last night. The president, Mr C. E. Grey, presided over a very poor attendance. “It is pitiful to think that a district of this size can produce such a very, very poor meeting,” stated Mr W. V. Mason, who deplored the lack of interest taken by sportsmen in the society. He congratulated the president on his report, stating, however, that he did not agree with the breeding of the mallard duck as a game bird. He considered the mallard to be pugnacious, and stated that it spelt, the death knell of the grey duck. He urged the breeding of the Native grey duck in preference to the Mallard. Mr Mason referred to the planting of duck food, stating that it was to be commended, but he considered that while the swamps were going the ducks were going too. • In reply. Mr Grey stated that the grey duck could not be bred in captivity. Other members also pointed out difficulties, and the discussion lapsed. The secretary, Mr H. W. Dale, moved that the New Zealand Society be urged to consider the liberation of snipe and woodcock in New Zealand. The contention was put forth by a member that it was of little use introducing birds into New - Zealand, when there was such a prevalence of vermin. The curator of the fish hatcheries. Mr J. G. Miller pointed out that he had paid out £43 in bounties for the destruction of stoats, ferrets, hawks, shags and hedgehogs. Mr G. Birkett stated that snipe and woodcock were more free from molestation than many other game birds. The heavy undergrowth and the birds natural plumage, which blended with the surroundings; would provide adequate protection. Members referred to the gravity of the position at the Lake district, where extensive draining was being carried out. It was stated that the natural feeding grounds were all being lost. It was urged that the society be called upon to conserve all shallow patches of water in the area concerned.

The president pointed out that it was very little use asking the society to act. as private land owners had a right to drain their land. Mr W. Harding stated that Mr Mason had once gone to the trouble of takingmaps down to Wellington showing Crown properties which amounted to three-quarters of the frontage of the Western Lake. The society had not acted, nor, it was contended, had it done anything for the shooters. The following resolution was passed: “That the society be requested to fence and plant Crown lands around Wairarapa Lake." It was also agreed tc urge the society to import other duck foods than those at present available. It was pointed out by Mr Birkett that the present native varieties would only grow in very shallow water. Members spoke of reports being received from the lakes of swans’ nests being robbed of eggs. It was stated that-the trade in swans’ eggs was still being carried on, and it was alleged that a baker had received part oi eight tins of eggs, stated to have been pickled last year. It was resolved to write to the society urging that more adequate protection in the form of rangers be given to the swans at Wairarapa Lake, during the nesting season. A recommendation to the society that a bounty be placed on all shags feet, known to have been shot in the district, was also passed. The secretary was instructed to write to the society, urging that it pay for livers fed to the fingerlings. Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring chairman. Mr Grey, and to the secretary, Mr Dale for their valuable services. „ ~ The resignation of Mr Grey from the committee was accepted with regret, members paying a tribute to Mr Grey s work over the past years. The election of officers resulted. General Committee, Messrs C. Pickering, F. Palmer, K. Aplin. G. Birkett W. Harding, W. Wooding, C. Stewart M. A. Rawlins, W. Hope and F. Pickering. Secretary, Mr H. W. Dale. The president is to be elected from the general committee.