NATIVE PIGEONS.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43095, 21 May 1907, Page 4

NATIVE PIGEONS.

An interesting point came before the Council of the Acclimatisation Society at Auckland. ' - (Ai letter was. read from Constable Matthews, stating that at Te Kuiti station hie saw two kerosene tins filled • with preserved pigeons. As they were addressed to a half-caste at Otorohanga he telegraphed to Constable Frazer. A report was then read from Constable Frazer, stating that he met the train, and the halfcaste who claimed the pigeons stated there were 80 in the tins, and that there were another 80 preserved at Piopio. The owner stated that the pigeons were shot- -and preserved lastshooting season. Cnstable Frazei added: “It has been the custom, of the Maoris for years past to preserve the pigeons in this manner.” inspector Cullen, Who forwarded) the report, stated : “I fancy the magistrate, who is well versed in Maori customs, would not convict. •Mr Cheeiseman said under the Act it was illegal to have game in possession seven days after the close of the shooting eason. The question wa-s, whether the Maoris would yet once again raise the question of their rights finder the Treaty of Waitangi. Mr Anderson : But. are we to- allow this practice to' go- on ? . , Mr Cheeseman said the point- was whether the Treaty of Waitangi Would not override the Art

Mr Payton suggested that the opinion of the Government should be asked upon thie matter. Mr Anderson • as-kedi what was the use of having a close season for the white man if the Maoris were allowed to go on shooting all the same?

( Mr Cheeseman said it was quite possible for Maoris to preserve pigeons in fat for over a year. In this case they had no proof when he pigeons were shot-. | On the motion of Mr Payton, seconded by Mr Haszard. it was resolved : “That a full statement of the case ibe forwarded to the Colonial Secretary for his opinion.”