£100 FOR FORESTS AND BIRDS

Forest and Bird, Issue 56, 1 May 1940, Page 14

£IOO FOR FORESTS AND BIRDS

By E. V. Sanderson.

A bequest of £IOO has been received by the Forest and Bird Protection Society, under the will of the late Mrs. J. P. Firth, widow of that great schoolmaster who was for a number of years principal of Wellington College. The late Mr. and Mrs. Firth always took a very keen interest in the work of the Society and both were enthusiasts for the conservation of New Zealand’s forest and bird life. Mr. Firth attended the initial public meeting in 1923, which was called with a view to forming the present Society, and gave a remarkable

address on patriotism. He spoke of how our mountains, lakes, forests, and birds represent New Zealand in all its scenic beauty and glory, and how every New Zealander should cultivate a regard and respect for those things which made our native land what it was and is. Mr. Firth also took an active part in the saving of Kapiti sanctuary, which, about fourteen years ago, had fallen into a deplorable state owing to mis-management. The present improved condition of this sanctuary is partly

due to his interest, and his encouragement of those who headed an agitation to have the island efficiently handled. Later, Mr. Firth edited the Society’s bulletin. At such time many congratulatory references were made by newspaper editors to the high tone of the matter appearing in the publication. When the Society is honoured with the administration of such bequests, the writer feels that as some of the present Executive and many of our prominent members have in their time come under the influence of the late Mr. Firth, his maxim will be well remembered“ First and foremost, be a man and play the game.” Also, the words which Mrs. Firth spoke to the writer —“He still lives in his past pupils”will urge many to carry on to final success the great work now in hand.