SHOOTING GODWITS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 March 1940, Page 3

SHOOTING GODWITS

PROTECTION MOST DESIRABLE. For many years Major J. R. Kirk, of Wellington, has battled strenuously for the proection of godwits. "Shooting godwits is. in my opinion, on the same debased level as shooting into a Hock of sheep." he writes to the Forest and Bird Protection Society. "Although 1 have used gun and rifle in many countries of the world. 1 have never seen a 'sportsman' shoot a godwit. oi- heard such a killer termed a 'sport.' Other countries, particularly Holland and tier colonies, have promulgated a law making the shooting; of godwits a statutory offence, and it. is not creditable to New Zealand, whoso legislation is regarded as advanced, that wo lag behind in that respect. When the Hon. W. E. Parry, himself a good 'sport,' reduced the shooting season for godwits from two months to two weeks, it seemed as if the conscience of the country had at. Inst been awakened, but it has again 'fallen on sleep.' and needs a jolt. "It would give extreme pleasure to | all who have the welfare of this land at heart if Mr Parry would complete his good work by declaring absolute protection for our annual guests from the Arctic, so assuring that, as we commence a new century, these famous birds will be known to our children and grandchildren for countless generations. If protection be not afforded, the fate of the Passenger Pigeon, once so numerous in America that in flight they darkened the heavens, may be that of | the godwit: not one passenger pigeon is alive today!"