NATIVE BIRD PROTECTION

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21710, 18 February 1936, Page 16

NATIVE BIRD PROTECTION

I'' l so' ira® ’xurro* dr tbs mobs,’' . Slrprl^uiHrig'a recent visit to the vicinity ottbeLewis.Pass road, I found much to delight the eye and also the ear. in amongst , the clamps of native . bush,' Jtwaajust before fee approach

of the recent ,rains, which were being loudly acclaimed by the birds. To a town-dweller, the constantnote of the bellbird, soundmgamohgst the chatter of other little native birds; was a delightful ’ experience; ~ Unfortunately, being ignorant, I did not Know the names of the .various thirds, but they, blissfully ignorant of>t3fe T terms of introduction, came. Quite close. - By and by I noticed: another visitor creeping stealthily amongst : the scrub —a lean ; wiry, female cat. It must ;have been a domestic pet, for later T noticed the nresence of various wellgrown Kittens, these-being apparently fed and housed by Public,. Works Department employees, who are in camp [there. Although I am ever a champion and lover of animals I think it a lack of foresight on the part of the person who introduced this feline element. The camp will no. doubt be a. transitory one, and how many of these animals will be taken away? No, like the “Brighton cat” they will be left They will prey upon these delightful little birds whose existence must be already a difficult i one; It fills me with horror to think of these cats devouring and torturing the bellbird’ and tui. A sheep farmer can demand from the Public- Works Department the expulsion of dogs that may menace his flock, sol why not enforce this precaution in the case of cats? This, it seems to me, is of a national importance.—Yours, etc., J.A.C. February 17, 1935.