DOES IT SURVIVE?

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 183, 5 May 1925, Page 8

DOES IT SURVIVE?

NEW ZEALAND NOTORNIS A report recently published' that live specimens of the rare New Zealand bird known cs the notornis had been seen in the sounds district of Otago, appears to have spurred several amateur collectors to action. The notornis, however, is in the list of “absolutely pro teclcd” birds. “Since the publication of the report,” remarked the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hob. R. F. Bollard) ~ yesterdav, “the Department has had evidence that some amateur collectors are keen to track down a live specimen of the notornis. Whilst I can appreciate their enthusiasm to find the habitat of the notornis and prove that the rare bird is not extinct, as has been supposed, I think they would be wise to remember the legal aspect of the matter before embarking on an expedition which might have a termination different to that anticipated.” Air. Bollard pointed out that under the Animals Protection and Game Act. everv person committed an offence who. without lawful authority, took or had in possession. any absolutely protected bird, or the skin or feathers of :mv such bird, the fine for an offence being £25. The regulations also provided that anv absolutely protected bird, or the skin, feathers, or eggs of anv such bird, unlawfully taken or in possession, become forfeited to the Crown. The npfornis, or as it is called by the Alaoris, “Takalie,” is a large, heavy, and flightless rail with massive bill and legs, and very handsome and striking plumage. The bill and legs, in contrast to the prevailing colour of the plumage, arc bright red; the plumage being olive green above with some blue shading, wings blackish blue, head, neck and lower wings dark purplish blue, under tail-coverts white.