Page:Transactions NZ Institute Volume 9 Supplement.djvu/26

634 11. "Descriptions of new Genera and Species of New Zealand Coleoptera," by Francis P. Pascoe, F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 402.)

12. "On the Anthribidæ of New Zealand," by D. Sharp. (Transactions, p. 375.)

13. "On the Colydiidæ of New Zealand," by D. Sharp. (Transactions, p. 390.)

14. "On a New Trilobite, Homalonotus expansus," by Dr. Hector, C.M.G. (Transactions, p. 602.)

15. "Notes on New Zealand Crustacea," by Dr. Hector. (Transactions, p. 472.)

16. "On the proposed Introduction of the Polecat into New Zealand," by Dr. Buller, C.M.G., President.

The Legislature having rejected the proposed measure for prohibiting the introduction of Polecats and other noxious animals into this colony, nothing now remains for us but to sound the note of warning before it is too late, and, by directing public opinion to the subject, to mitigate the danger of our being overrun with one of the worst of predaceous vermin.

For this purpose, I beg to place before the Society the following extracts from a letter which I have lately received from Professor Newton, of Cambridge, an acknowledged authority on all zoological matters:—

"In Land and Water for 8th July, Mr. Frank Buckland wrote that he had been applied to, by Messrs. Maconie and Cuthbertson, of Invercargill, to send out weasels to New Zealand (five pairs, at £5 each), to be let loose to check the superabundance of rabbits. Buckland said he could not get weasels, but proposed sending 'polecat-ferrets'—30 or 40 pairs! I at once wrote to remonstrate with him, urging him to do nothing till he had communicated with New Zealand, and this he has promised to do, but does not give up the notion. Harting, Rowley, and some one else have also protested in terms like my own, as you will see by Land and Water for 15th and 22nd July. I suspect Buckland will eventually drop the matter; but, meanwhile, it seems quite possible that some sheep-farmer or other (for with them began the complaint) may on his own responsibility act on this mischievous hint without waiting for Buckland, and then good-bye at once and for ever to all your brevipennate birds, as well as to many other of your native species, which of course have no instincts whereby they may escape from such bloodthirsty enemies—to say nothing of pheasants and the like, which you have been introducing at so great a cost, and your poultry. Here, as I dare say you know, the polecat (and the ferret is only a tame polecat) is the most detested beast we have, and, in consequence, has nearly been extirpated. In New Zealand (if introduced), it will undoubtedly become master of the situation. * * * I trust that, among you all, you will be able to keep off this threatened scourge. Colonists in general have not been slow to hinder unacceptable importations from the Mother Country, as witness the historic tea-chests at Boston, United States of America, and Australian convicts. I have always understood that the latter were selected for the mild nature of their crimes, but even this was not allowed. There cannot be a doubt of how you should behave when you have a ship-load of known murderers to be let loose on your peaceful shores; and I conceive my duty as an Honorary Member of your Institute compels me to give you this timely notice."