A Lead for the Government.

Forest and Bird, Issue 36, 1 May 1935, Page 1

A Lead for the Government.

ONE of the most encouraging and helpful addresses ever heard at meetings convened by the Forest and Bird Protection Society was given by the Hon. Sir Alexander Young, Minister of Internal Affairs, at the close of the Society’s annual meeting on 30th April. The speaker expressed whole-hearted clear-minded approval of the Society’s national ideals which he commended fervently to New Zealand’s people for their own welfare. This declaration did not spring from sentimental impulse, although in that respect the Minister would have his fair share of sentiment. His attitude is based on intelligent study of cold hard facts. He has seen the terrible havoc wrought by deer in native forests on high country of the South Island, and he has satisfied himself on irrefutable evidence that these imported pests are a curse to the country. “Seeing is believing,’’ is practically the answer of Sir Alexander to sport-loving pleaders for the conservation of a devastating nuisance, for he has invited doubters to go and behold the ravages which he has witnessed.

In the definite knowledge that deer are deadly enemies of the country the Minister has repeated his declaration of a war of extermination against the farmers’ worst foes. He has said cheerfully that his officers and himself are quite prepared to bear the brunt of criticism offered by stalkers and their supporters, who are a very small minority of the community. New Zealand’s people, in the mass, will be

found in favour of the common-sense policy announced by the Minister. The need demands a much bigger campaign against deer than any yet undertaken, for the present figures of slaughter are much below the natural increase of the animals.

Has the State Forest Service the same regard for the future as the Department of Internal Affairs is showing? There is a fear that the Forest Service has an over-eagerness to exploit the native forests from a timber-milling viewpoint. Some critics say that the administration is more interested in getting immediate profits than in a policy of proper management and conservation for posterity. An investigation of the complaints: is being made by the Forest and Bird Protection Society.