SPARE THE BIRDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1923, Page 3

SPARE THE BIRDS.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR'S FLEA WELLINGTON, Aug. 17. In the Legislative Council yesterday Sir Thomas Mackenzie moved : “Thai in order more efficiently to preserve our fast-diminishing species of native birds from destruction, the Government should consider: (1) The making known as widely as possible of the names of the birds on the permanently protected list, so that lhe public may know that the native pigeon, kaka. tui, bell-bird. kiwi, kakapo. bittern, orano, paradise duck, litiia. grebe, and others may not be shot or otherwise taken, and that, should any breach of the law occur the delinquent is liable to punishment. .2) That in order to assist in redeeming the law from being a dead Utter in many parts of tlie Dominion, honorary rangers be enrolled (and, as far its possible, under one authority), the Government to take into consideration bow far it is practicable to enlist the sympathies and assistance of officers wfaise duties include travelling or residing in country districts. d) That it is dc-irable that the greatest care lie exercised in granting permits to tltos" who wish to procure lords for specimens. (I) That it is advisable that there lie included in the annual report of the Internal Affairs Department a list of the names of persons who have obtained permits, and the reasons for granting them. (5) That the greatest possible judgment be exorcised in the selection of caretakers for our native bird sanctuaries. hi That more island sanctuaries lie -ec aside for bird protection." sir Thomas .Mackenzie said it was surprising to learn the great, amount ef ignorance that existed as to the birds on the protected list. The adoption ot she motion would tend at any rate to assist to preserve ami increase the species. The 11 11 tt ( . M. Thompson s ; d,i that it regrettable feature of the present system of education was that no encouragement was gitim for the study of native birds, etc. Indeed, he doubted if ten per cent of the teachers ctX'n m Wellington could name the birds ill the dist riel. Sir Eraneis Bell said that he had been intoinied that he Department had had nuMisltcd in the Gazette, in April, the list of protected birds, an-' copies were Mint to the polite stations and post olfic es. lie did not see Imw very much more eon Id lie done. The State I'orc-t rangers and nlliccrs of the Lauds and Police Departments gave assista.net>, and besides ibis there were a number of private people who helped. Authority was given in very rare eases for the taking of birds as specimens. In tlie appointment of caretakers considerable care was taken, tl would probably be found that the Si aie forest rangers would be the host f> n’t i licit t ion in tlie urn L ter. The motion was carried.