DESTRUCTION OF NATIVE PIGEONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2089, 25 May 1907, Page 1

DESTRUCTION OF NATIVE PIGEONS.

PBESEBYED Bi THE MAORIS

TREATY OF VAITAN GI AGAIN

Ail interesting point came before the Council of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society' at its last mguQily

mooting. A letter was read from Constable Matthews, stating that at Te Kuiti station lie saw two. kerosene tins filled with preserved pjgepns, As they were addressed tq a half-oasto at Oforplianga he telegraphed to Constable Frazer. A report was tlien read from Constable Frazer; stating that he met the train, and the lialfcaste who claimed the pigeons stated there were 80 in the tins, and that there were another 80 preserved • at Piopio. The owner stated that tlie pigeons were shot and preserved last shooting season. Constable Frazer added.: “It lias been the custom o£ the Maoris for years past to preserve Put in this manner.”

•.iiu-ropTiVVS, statey: Tf limey tlie magistrate, who is well versed in Maori customs, would not convict.” , Mr. Clieeseman said under the Act it was illegal to have game in possession seven days after the clqse ojf

■flio shooting season. The question vas, whether the Maoris would yet nice again raise the question of their rights under tlie Treaty of Vaitaugj, \3S£r. Anderson : Cut are we to alHv tfijs practice to go oil?

Mr. Clieeseman said tlie point was wether the Treaty of Waitaugi wild not override the Act. Jr. Payton suggested that the opion of the Governmenib should basked upon the matfey, jr. Anderson asked what was the having a close seasijfh for tilie wit* man if the Maoris were allowed) go on shooting all the same? I. Clieeseman said it was quite po|de for Maoris to preserve pigI eoiiu fat fpr over a I ca|hey had no proof that the pigeoireyo shot. 1 tthe motion of Mr. Payton, seI coin by Mr. Hazard, it was resolvled That a full statement of the I cash forwarded to the Colonial 1 ScoW for. liis, opinion,”