Looking ahead

It has been a turbulent year, and 2018, we hope, will be much improved. Around the world there is a lot of uncertainty, and we in New Zealand can only hope for a resolution in those countries.

At this point in time it is Christmas and celebrations of many kinds are under way, and much happiness is shared. It is family time, and family can come in many forms, and Christmas be celebrated. We are experiencing a beautiful warm summer, lots of beach and river time cooling off!

Being careful on the roads and aware of overseas travellers is important, and speed kills! Life jackets to be worn where ever water is available, as this means saving a life, could be your life?

Warm wishes to everyone and eat, drink and be merry, but remember, quantities consumed! Merry Christmas to one and all, and this scribbler will possible return in 2018! Happy New Year, and glad tidings and joy.

A recent 1080 poison operation took place over one third of Molesworth, being all the land east of the Acheron River. This would be the largest poison drop over grazing land in New Zealand’s recent history.

The sow rate of poison is normally 1kg of 1080 per hectare but in Molesworth it was 2kg of 1080.

Since this 1080 drop an independent helicopter operator reported hundreds of dead deer. An unconfirmed report by DOC staff, over 500 dead deer were sighted by their helicopter survey.

They certainly will have killed millions of insects (1080 was initially developed as an insecticide but proved dangerous for that use ). Anybody for Molesworth honey?

This poison operation will continue for nine years, with a third of Molesworth poisoned each year. Yet cattle will graze this land, year after year, absorbing residue from the poison, with the 1080 building up in their fat and tissue.

What would the consumers of Landcorp Farm’s beef think if they knew?

I don’t think Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda or McDonald’s management or consumers would be impressed.