A PROTEST

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1916, Page 7

A PROTEST

To the Editor. Sir,—l see that a pigeon-shooting match is to be held at Stratford next Wednesday. A sporting writer waxes enthusiastic over the affair, rejoieirg greatly at the number of entries (iiO), including some of the best shots in New Zealand. So numerous are they that although GOO birds are now waiting in somebody's loft for the day of slaughtet the committee have sent for 300 more birds. The writer promises the public n great treat, commencing in the morning at 9 o'clock and lasting all day—luncheon provided! lie is sure there will he a good crowd, because live 'birds are to be used. The gate money will be devoted to some war fund—l suppose after deducting expenses, such as prizes, cost of birds and, perhaps, the luncheon, etc. The mere announcement should be sufficient to condemn this attempt to exploit the public under the guise of patriotism. Whatever the result of a prosecution may be, it seems impossible to deny that many birds will escape wounded and to linger in pain and suffer torture within the meaning of the Police Offences Act. It seems to me that these gallant riflemen and "splendid shots" would he better employed if they were backing up the lads who are fighting in the trenches.—l am, etc, R. CLINTON HUGHES, Secretary, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.