THE KARA

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1928, Page 2

THE KARA

MUST NOT BE KILLED. AN ATTRACTIVE NATIVE BIRD. . • * (Lyttelton Times.) The fact tlmt the kaka is protected does not appear to he well'known, in view of a recent report that a. party who went on an expedition into the Murchison district to shoot wild sheep found, on the return journey, that “shooting kakas was an interesting ocupation.” After yeahjs of agitation, lovers of native birds had many of the birds, including the kaka, protected by law. The movement was taken up by Lord Onslow, when he was'Governor of New Zealand. In his day, the lmia was greatly sought, because of its association with the Maori aristocracy, the white-tipped tail-feathers being used as ornaments to denote tribal rank. He had the .shield ot the law placed over the huia. Later other species of native birds were protected. As the list was not considered satisfactory, almost the whole of• the native avifauna, was protected, only a few species, such as the black shag, and the kea, being exempt- ' ed. The kaka is in the first schedule of the Animals’ Protection Act, which contains a list of birds absolutely protected. A penalty of £2O may be inflicted for killing a kaka. The Act largely was a dead-letter owing mainly to general ignorance ol its provisions, until the New Zealand Native Birds Protection Society was formed. From its headquarters in Wellington, it broadcasts literature appealing to people for sympathy for the native birds, and pointing out penalties for breaches! df the Act. It has done a great deal to draw attention to the position now occupied by native birds, although there have not been many convictions under the Act. The kaka is so playful,,noisy, inquisi_ tive, fearless, and sociable, that it is an easy victim to the bullet. It is a forest bird, 'but often migrates from district to district, flying at a good height, with a steady, slow, and somewhat laboured flight. Its principal foods are nectar in flowers, and insects, but it is reported to be fond of raw sheep.

With many other native birds, it is much less plentiful than it was in the early days. About seventy years ago, kakas invaded settled parts of Otago in such large numbers that they became almost a pest. Not only in the hush, but. also in the open on stack fences, and ( the ridges of houses, they were seen perched in rows, as close as they could sit, -Settlers discussed means to deal with there but the following year hardly a kaka was to be sqen in the districts .affected. Mr H. G. Ell was one of the strong-

est champions of native birds in the House of Representatives. He has written to the Minister for Internal Affairs calling attention to the report that kakas recently have been shot.

Keep your pipe going if you would escape the ’flu! Tobacco is a great safeguard in times like this. It is a known preventative of disease, because it wards off infection, as any doctor will tell you. But it is essential that it should be of the best quality and as free' from nicotine as. possible, because you cannot go on smoking tobacco heavily charged with nicotine pipeful after pipeful. Our New Zealand grown tobaccos are the purest, because they contain very little nicotine, consequently you can smoke them for hours at a time with pleasure, and need not fear harmful results. Also--note this j—New Zealand tobaccos are toasted in the process of manufacture. That’s why their flavour is so delicious and their bouquet so delightful. Made in various strengths, they appeal irresistibly to all smokers. Ask your tobacconist for “Riverhead Gold” if you like a really choice aromatic; if you prefer a medium flavour get some “Navy. Cut” or “Cavendish;” and if your preference is for a tobacco of full strength, try “Cut Plug No. 10.”—Advt,