NEW ZEALAND DEER-STALKING 131 



belief that he knows little or nothing about deer, 

 least of all about Otago deer. . . . Let us emphasise 

 this : There is no deterioration in the deer herds 

 of North Otago, for all over the deer country are 

 to be seen the finest stags and hinds and the largest 

 and best heads in the world." 



The assertion which would seem naturally to 

 follow is left to the reader's imagination ! 



I cannot refrain from quoting one remark made 

 by a gentleman on the Committee of the Otago 

 Acclimatisation Society. It is taken from a report 

 of the proceedings which lies before me. 



Mr. . " I am on the executive and never 



saw a deer in my life. I would suggest that some 

 men with practical knowledge be associated with us." 



A resolution was carried that a close season be 

 arranged, to allow the shooting off of game with 

 malformations and the eradication of rubbish. 



There are several remedies for that state of affairs 

 prevalent in Otago. The first thing to be done is 

 to get rid of the rubbish. All these malforms, one- 

 horned stags, old hinds, and other trash should be 

 remorselessly destroyed. The Society have, I believe, 

 taken steps in this direction, though I have no details 

 to hand, but unless they make their decision quickly 

 there will not be a stag fit to shoot in that particular 

 district in three years' time. No doubt the best 

 plan would be to pay competent stalkers so much 

 per head for every rotten beast destroyed. This 

 might be a somewhat difficult matter to arrange, 



