94 STALKS ABROAD 



from the Triton. Early in 1863 they were liberated 

 on a Mr. Carter's run. In 1906 the number of deer 

 on Mr. Biddiford's run was estimated at over 10,000. 

 Indeed, to such an extent had they increased, that 

 the authorities gave orders for a large number of 

 hinds to be killed. 



The only stag of the trio liberated was well 

 known. He turned nasty in his old age, and, 

 gallantry not being his strong point, charged an 

 unfortunate lady and compelled her to take refuge 

 beneath a house, which, fortunately for her, was 

 built on piles. This exploit settled his fate, and in 

 April, 1873, he died the death. His head is now 

 at Palmerston North. 



Five or six years ago the whole district, includ- 

 ing the Government reserve of 32,000 acres, was 

 open to sportsmen ; but the privilege was much 

 abused, indeed I believe two so-called sportsmen 

 killed something like a hundred stags, chiefly young 

 deer, in a few weeks, and the run-holders very 

 naturally closed their ground to all save their per- 

 sonal friends and those having proper introductions. 

 There is some talk of the Government reserve being 

 thrown open again, but until this takes place I 

 should like to warn sportsmen who wish to stalk 

 in the North Island that it is a very difficult matter, 

 unless they have introductions to one of the big run- 

 holders. This, indeed, is the only fault which I 

 have to find with the Tourist Department of New 

 Zealand. They do not in their publications say in 



