PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1921, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

TRAP SHOOTING. SrIiCIAI. TO GUAttMAS. WELLINGTON, Oct. 21 The Animals Protection and Game ilil! now before the House proposes to give Government power to regulate or prohibit the shooting or killing o. pigoens or other birds released from any trap box or similar Contrivance. The ap]>earanees of this provision is welcomed by societies tor the prevention of cruelty to animals, which have long protested agailist pigeon shooting. Gun clubs, mi the other hand, see in the provision a threat of their interests, and they have been communicating with members of Parliament already, with the object of having the provision deleted or modified. Discussion will centre on the qfiest ion of cruelty. Representatives of gun clubs do not admit that there is aTiv more cruelty in shooting pigeons titan in shooting game birds in tic

open. Opponents of trap shooting argue that there is cruelty, not tncelv in shooting ut halt tame birds iciea.-.d lo the purpose light undei the guns, but also in tlie transport of pigeons and their confinement in small boxes or cages before the shooting. The Hill may be referred to a committee, in order that its details uuf lie examined and evidence taken. .MORTGAGKS A.MKNDM KNT.

The Mortgages and Deposits Extension Hill which was introduced some time ago in the House, lias received a great deal of adverse criticism <>ut«d-' of Parliament. It seems to be taken for granted in the Lobby the 1* " will undergo amondmeuts at the hands of a committee, before it comes up !•■•• final consideration in the House. ! may be sent instead to the Public A'' counts Committee. Tlie Prime Minister lias given note to set til) 11 1 is committee, but bis motion is still on the order paper. The committee is likely to take the evidence of financial experts and other persons especially interested in the iron tine nt of mortgages and deposits.