OUR NATIVE BIRDS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19057, 20 July 1927, Page 13

OUR NATIVE BIRDS.

TOTHE EDITOR OF'THE MESS. Sir,—The subject matter of Dr. Bevah Brown's letter is most serious and important, but your treatment of it in the sub leader lacks the consideration which his letter deserves. Too many New Zealanders fail to appreciate the fact that our native birds are fast dwindling, and so increased protection is imperative. Except perhaps the kca, none of them are pests, and their very tameness which adds to our endearment renders thcjn an easy P re y. to every irresponsible "gunman" ; wan * dering about looking for "sport,'' and laws should bo made more drastic respecting these dastardly ninirods. W hat a glorious achievement it is to shoot a robin, fantail. or mountain wren! about as great as shooting a canary in a cage. A,man stuck up in the bush might find it an economic necessity to shoot the kukupa. but that is no excuse 'for parties to make holiday trips jind shoot them by the hundred, and every other bird, including even the kiwi. Regulations might be passed allowing men living in backblock districts, who are fond of and believe in protecting our native birds, to constitute themselves honorary rangers with power to act. Even the work of naturalists, though of worthy interest, should take second place to the preservation of native bird life, for one twittering, live "jackie" is worth a thousand stuffed ones.—Yours, etc.. C. J. THORNTON.