Sanctuary For Birds.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1922, Page 3

Sanctuary For Birds.

CONTROL OF KA PIT I ISLAND

WELLINGTON, March 6

The Kapiti Island advisory committee _M,. W. H. Field, M.P., Dr Cockayne, Professor Kirk, .Messrs Speed, PhillipsTunier, Bennett, Gray, atul McClure (Commissioner of Crown Lands) waited upon the Hon 1). H. Guthrie, Minister of Lands, with certain recommendations for the better protection of Kapiti as a sanctuary for native birds. Tho committee recommended th e consolidation and fencing of the Government portion of the island; that Mrs Webber and other owners he given immediate notice to remove tlieir stock; that the whole of the Crown Lands on the island he kept, permanently free from stock, so as to encourage the regeneration of native vegetation. The deputation urged the necessity of destroying the goats; sheep, and opossums on the Government portion of the island and the need fo r better protection of the bush from the danger of fire. It was stated that stock had eaten down the undergrowth, letting the wind in under the older trees, and that was killingthem, hut if the stock was removed the native trees would soon cover the open land.

Dr Cockayne suggested assisting Nature in the regeneration of the forest by sowing native trees, especially native fusc-hia, knraka, and other fire-resisting trees. Mr Phillips-Turner pointed out that the fuschia also afforded very valuable bird food. The Minister agreed with the recommendations, some of which ivcr<i already being carried out. He was advised that there was a danger of rabbits on the lsmall island to the south getting on to Kapiti, and that it would be easy to destroy them now, but it might he very difficult later. The committee concurred. On the suggestion of Professor Kirk, it was agreed that the committee should draft regulations for the pi(vention of fire on Kapiti for submission to the Minister. The matter of completing the appointment of the lands and consolidating the Crown’s property was left in th e hands of Mr McClure. It was decided that the Minister and the advisory committee should visit the island at the week-end, March 18th to 30th.