PRETTY FEATHERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4587, 18 July 1923, Page 1

PRETTY FEATHERS.

BIRDS SLAUGHTERED TO . EiXTINCTION. Interesting figures were given by Sir Thomas Mackenzie in the Legislative Council on Monday afternoon when pressing for greater protection of native birds and animals. He traced the removal of the forests, fires, and the various causes which had led to the extinction of many rare and beautiful birds the world over. No fewer than 55,000,000 skins were sold in one year in New York, Whole colonies were exterminated. On one island 300,000 albatrosses were annihilated. In one year 750,000' egret skins were disposed of. The egret was slaughtered either on the nest or approaching the nest. The slaughter of pigeons in Michigan was enormous. In 1875 flocks approximating 2% millions were seen, now the last bird was killed. The first change in public opinion took place in 1896, and in 1900 both Press and public took 'up the question of stopping the plumage trade. It was not till, 1913 that the United States took any action, and in 1918 a law was passed prohibiting the import of all bird skins not domestically reared. In 1921 the laws stopped the plumage trade.