THE SPARROW QUESTION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1930, 1 May 1880, Page 4

THE SPARROW QUESTION.

A meeting of delegates from the undermentioned Farmers’Clubs was held at the Rooms of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, on Thursday, for the purpose of taking into consideration what steps should be taken to prevent tho further increase of grain destroying birds. The districts represented were—Ellesmere, Captain Willis; Templeton,'Messrs Bailey and Voice; Kaiapoi, Messrs Coup, Walls and Pashby ; Lincoln club, Messrs A. P. O’Callaghan, Gammaok and Herrick : Papanui club, Messrs Donald and Nunwiok ; from the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Mr. A. Duncan (presidsnt), Messrs W. Boag, Henderson, Mann, and J. T. Ford. The chairman stated, in opening the business of the meeting, that the time had arrived when some steps should be taken to abate the small birds nuisance, and invited those present to give the meeting the benefit of their experience. Captain Willis said that ho considered the matter of such importance that he had drafted a form of petition to be forwarded to the House of Representatives, asking that body to legislate on the matter, which, with the chairman’s permission, he would read.

A lengthened discussion ensued, each speaker agreeing that something must be done to abate the nuisance under consideration.

The chairman expressed his opinion that the consideration of the petition should be referred to a sub-committee, appointed for the purpose, and who would report at a future meeting of the committee. Agreed to. Mr J. P. O’Callaghan said that legislation must be resorted to. He would therefore move—“ That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when it is absolutely necessary to obtain legislation for keeping down the number of grain-destroying birds.” Seconded by Mr 8. Bailey, and carried. Mr Nunweek laid on the table a statement, showing the number of birds and birds’ eggs which had been destroyed in his district by their club last year, which was 30,000 eggs and 8000 birds, at a cost of £44 9s 2d. Mr Thomas Pashby said that the imposing of a rate, to be devoted to the destruction of birds, should be in the hands of the Road Boards.

Mr Gammack was of the same opinion, and thought that an Act similar to that in force in Southland tor the suppression of rabbits, would answer all purposes. It was moved by Mr Donald, and seconded by Mr J. T. Ford—“ That for the purpose of carrying out Mr O’Callaghan’s resolution, a sub-committee be appointed to make such suggestions as may be necessary to give effect to it. Such committee to consist of Messrs Donald, Boag, Pashby, Bailey, Mann, A. Duncan, and Mr J. J. Herrick, to report to an adjourned meeting to be held at the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s rooms, at one o’clock, on the 13th May next.” Carried. Captain Wills proposed a vote of thanks, seconded by Mr J. T. Ford, and carried. This terminated the business.