“POND SHOOTING”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 September 1941, Page 4

“POND SHOOTING”

OF WILD DUCKS UNSPORTSMANLIKE METHODS. CRITICISM TN PARLIAMENT. (Rv Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “I cannot imagine many men resorting to this sort of sport, and I am wondering whether it is lawful to do it,” said Mr Broadfoot (Opposition, Waitomo) in the House of Representatives yesterday referring to what he described as the "pond shooting” of ducks. “I was down in Canterbury recently,” Mr Broadfoot said, “and in the Lake Ellesmere district I learned that some men —they are quite notable men, but I cannot mention their names here — feed ducks on peas for several months, and then build a stack near the pond. In the shooting season they get into the stack and then, when the ducks are not looking, they shoot them. The ducks should have a fair go. Is pond shooting lawful? If it is, cannot we make it unlawful and play fair with the ducks?” The Minister of Internal Affairs: We have powers, but it is a very difficult thing to catch them. 1 think it is poor sportsmanship. Mr Broadfoot: If you want to bring these people to book. I will give you some names. The Minister later said that it was entirely unlawful to feed ducks during the shooting season and he wished he could catch those who did so. Mr Broadfoot: I can tell you where you can catch some gentlemen. “I know it is not a fair thing and, after all, it is not good sportsmanship,” said Mr Parry. “A bird ought to be shot on the wing.” Mr Kidd (Opposition, Waitaid) suggested that Mr Broadfoot should be engaged as ranger. Mr Broadfoot: Yes, I will catch a couple for you.