TIGER EXTERMINATION
[FROM A CORRESPONDENT]
At a meeting held in Buckland on the 14th inst., convened by the Warden, Mr. G.F. Mace, to consider the question of abatement of ravages by tigers, etc., a majority of stockowners in the district attended.
Letters were also received from several whom distance or other engagements prevented attending, the writers all expressing sympathy with the movement and promising support.
After the matter had been fully discussed in all its bearings, it was unanimously decided that an association be formed, to be called the Buckland and Spring Bay Tiger and Eagle Extermination Association, Mr. F. Mace being elected president; Mr. Wm. Turvey, treasurer, and, Mr. John R. Cahill, secretary. The following gentlemen were appointed a committee to conduct the general business of the association ;-Messrs. S. Salmon, Wm. Lester, Joseph Hodgson, John Turvey, W. A. Foster, E. Castles, G. A.
Mace, R. Parker, Wm. Burbury, and the treasurer and secretary, with power to add to the number, four to form a quorum.
Rules were adopted for the working of the association, the principal being, that to raise a sufficient fund every sheepowner pay 1/2d. per head for each sheep up to 1,000, and 1/4d. per head for all sheep above 1,000 ; and that a reward of £5 be paid for each full grown tiger caught in the district, and £2 10s, for all cubs equal in size to a full-grown domestic cat, the skins of all the animals caught to become the property of the association. Payments to be made by treasurer on production of skin by capturer or his authorised agent. Also, a reward of £1 for all eagles destroyed and the heads produced. These and other rules will be printed and forwarded to all stockowners in the district.
A noticeable feature at the meeting was the presence of several gentlemen who, although at comparatively safe distance from chances of present loss by tigers, were yet perfectly willing to contribute towards keeping the foe in check, and assist their less fortunately-situated neighbours.
After the general business of the meeting had been disposed of, the question was discussed of presenting a testimonial to
the Messrs. French for the important services rendered to all sheepowners, not only in the district but throughout the island, they having within the last three years caught no less than 33 tigers. The justice of this step will at once commend itself to all reasonable men when it is known that those two brothers, who had taken up land in the outlying portion of the district, placing sheep thereon, found themselves at once attacked by the tiger pest, and but for their indomitable pluck, hard work, and untiring energy, would have failed to hold their position under the hardships and losses that would have completely discouraged many men, and led to the abandonment of their holdings. They have, by fencing, and so snaring, thinned the numbers as to secure to themselves, although still compelled to use constant vigilance, comparative security for their flock. But for the efforts of these men, and their success in killing so many, the tigers would have been much more numerous, and consequently entailed a, greater tax on stockowners for their destruction.
Several gentlemen expressed themselves warmly on the subject, and subscription lists will be taken up, and the appeal, it is trusted, meet with a general and generous response.
– fr0m The Mercury, Thu 21 Aug 1884, Page 3
