HAMLYN'S MENAGERIE MAGAZINE. 
53 
Port Elizabeth, period 1st January to 30th 
June, 1918, 5 jackals, and 2 baboons. 
Grand total of destruction : — 1,119 jackals, 
104 lynx, 416 baboons and 1 tiger. 
The Chairman congratulated the centres con- 
cerned, on their splendid returns. 
Mr. Martin said the only centre not doing its 
duty was Port Elizabeth. 
APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATES. 
Messrs. Mackay, Weeks and Hurndall were 
elected to represent the Circle at the Vermin Ex- 
termination Congress, to be held in October next 
at Capetown. 
SHORTAGE OF STRYCHNINE. 
The Secretary reported that he had inter- 
viewed the Uitenhage Magistrate in connection 
with the shortage of strychnine, who suggested 
that the Circles in each centre should take over 
the distribution of the poison. 
It was resolved to bring the question up at 
the Congress. 
On the motion of Mr. Weeks the delegates 
were instructed to oppose the suggestion that 
awards be passed only through registered hunt, 
vermin and poisoning clubs, also the suggestion 
that examining and paying destruction awards be 
taken away from Divisional Councils. 
POISONING. 
A letter was read from the Administrator, 
regarding the regulation of laying down poison, 
stating that if the Circle considered the regulation 
suggested was not advisable, they had the right 
to omit it. The letter, however, pointed out that 
if poison was indiscriminately laid down it would 
be a danger to hounds employed by vermjn des- 
truction clubs. 
After discussion it was resolved to bring the 
matter before the Congress. 
GOVERNMENT'S EFFORTS. 
In reply to queries raised by the Circle, the 
Forest Department wrote stating that 236 poi- 
soned baits had been sent in the Forest Reserves, 
in the Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth districts, 
150 of these had been removed, but only 7 car- 
cases were found and these were dogs (laughter). 
The Chairman moved that a strong letter be 
written in reply, pointing out that the farmers 
could hardly be expected to carry out the destruc- 
tion of vermin if Government did not assist and 
allowed the jackal the free run of the Forest and 
drift sands. 
The motion was seconded by Mr. Martin and 
carried. 
BETHELSDORP'S WORK. 
A letter was read from the Bethelsdorp Vil- 
lage Board, slating that steps were being taken 
to destrov vermin, and the skins of two baboons 
had already been sent in. 
The Chairman said since the Iciter had been 
written four jackal skins had been sent in. 
Resolved to reply that the Committee were 
pleased to learn that Bethelsdorp was making an 
effort, but there was still room for improvement, 
and it was trusted they would take the matter up 
seriously. 
A letter was read from the Secretary of the 
Uitenhage Divisional Council, stating that Mr. 
S. E. Rudman had complained that his neighbours 
were not making any effort to exterminate ver- 
min. 
Mr. Martin made a similar complaint. 
Mr. Hayward was of opinion that they could 
do nothing until their regulations were enforced. 
The Chairman was of opinion that the people 
required to be educated up to the Act. He urged 
persuasion at first. 
Mr. Hurndall said that alter Congress was 
held matters would be pht on a firmer footing". 
The work of the Circle was excellent considering 
the short time it had been in existence. 
The Chairman concurred and mentioned that 
over £8,000 had been paid out in awards. 
It was resolved to write to the farmers con- 
cerned, requesting co-operation and support; also 
the Municipal Council and Railway authorities. 
I he lollowing cuttings have been sent me 
from South Africa : — 
The Rhodesia Department of Agriculture has 
arranged to assist farmers to organ sc baboon 
hunts on the following lines : — Applications for 
assistance should be addressed to the Native Com- 
missioner of the district. In the event of a hunt 
being decided upon, the Native Commissioner will 
arrange for the co-operation of such natives as 
may be necessary or available. The hunt will 
be under the control of the Native Commissioner 
or some other person appointed by him. 
Lee-Enfield ammunition will be issued, by the 
Native Commissioner free, to be accounted for by 
the user, and any unexpended rounds must be 
returned. Ammunition for other rifles or for 
shot-guns, actually expended during the hunt, 
will be paid for on application to the Civil Com- 
missioner of the district on production of vouchers. 
A very fine bull eland, running to about 900 
lb., was shot at Game Pass on July 26th by Mr. 
Polly van der Westhuizen, after a careful stalk 
