ANNUAL REPORT OF THE N.Z. NATIVE BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY.

Forest and Bird, Issue 13, 1 September 1927, Page 10

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE N.Z. NATIVE BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY.

The times change apace, and since the recent great increase in the use of motor vehicles has come about, giving easier access to the country-side and to our forests, with no corresponding stiffening of the enforcement of our conservation laws and with inadequate public education as to the necessity of Nature preservation, our birds and forests are having an increasingly difficult struggle for existence. Other factors, too, have been instrumental in destroying much urban beauty and bird shelter, as, for instance, our extensive hydro-electric schemes. These should be in the end a good reason for forest conservation; otherwise, a lessening water flow will result. Let us hope that the inclination of the present-day motorist to convert all roads into speedways, devoid of charm and beauty, will have a turning point, and that the demand will arise to combine an outing with congenial surroundings. The public mind has not yet been awakened to the value of forests for other than timber uses, and the rapid depletion of our bush is already undoubtedly causing deterioration of our pastoral lands, and thereby of our flocks and wool, etc., owing to the unfavourable climatic conditions brought about. Severe erosion is also taking place, and is now very evident, resulting in the loss of the best of the top soil on

much of our hill country, and the scouring of the river flats in the lowlands. It, however, requires some little study and observation to fully realise these matters; and most people are too much occupied in other ways to give the necessary thought to such subjects. The Society, with the limited resources at its command, has endeavoured to help to stem the tide of destruction, and has experienced at least a modicum of success. It is felt certain we are operating on the right lines and the only lines that can be successful, that is, the public education out of thoughtlessness into thoughtfulness, or, in other words, conservation by education. It is, moreover, found that the New Zealander is a particularly responsive subject where the question of the preservation of our indigenous birds and forests is concerned; and the Society has thus been enabled to make considerable impression even with the present limited organisation; and it is felt that, if an organisation worthy of the great objects in view were set up, a totally different public outlook would result. Many species of our birds have markedly increased in several districts, including our pigeon, proving that it is only necessary to show good reasons why our bii'ds and forests must be preserved and the public will insist on its being done. Exception must be made in the case of the few; and it is in dealing with these that much stiffening of the law and more drastic penalties are necessary. The present organisation of the Society has been strained to its fullest capacity, and the incoming committee will, it is hoped, be enabled to increase the facilities for the work. No. 1 Bird Chart is in course of preparation, and will be issued very shortly free to all colleges and schools in the Dominion. The Education Department has promised £IOO towards the cost of this No. 1 Chart, and they have, moreover, been very sympathetic and helpful in matters connected with the design and in the making of arrangements for issuing the chart in a suitable manner. It is thought these charts, of which it is proposed to produce nine, will have a fine influence on the young, and that the cost, which will be heavy, will thus be warranted. For this purpose it has been necessary to husband our resources, and the Society is pleased to be able to report a credit balance, nearly all of which is required for the enlarged work on hand and in contemplation. With the aid thus given to our resources by those who love our native birds, we shall have bird charts, posters, and other telling methods of inciting public interest. Our credit balance includes a donation of £IOO given by the Bruce Trustees, and we have to heartily acknowledge their patriotic sentiment. It would be unfair to conclude this Report without the recording of the great assistance and co-operation rendered the

cause by the Press, our various representatives, and many of our members throughout the Dominion. For the Committee, E. V. SANDERSON, Hon. Secretary. Wellington, Ist August, 1927.