PIGEONS FOR MAORI BATTALION

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24021, 9 August 1943, Page 6

PIGEONS FOR MAORI BATTALION

* GOVERNMENT DECLINES REQUEST NO LIFTING OF PROTECTION “ The Press ” Special Service WELLINGTON. August 7. The Government has viewed unfavourably a request made at a Maori inter-tribal conference in Rotorua for a modification of the protection on native pigeons to enable supplies of the bird to be sent to the Middle East as an additional food ration for members of the Maori Battalion. The Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E, Parry) said to-day that the Government could not see its way to modify the absolute protection of the kereru. A few years ago it was threatened with extinction, but he was happy to say that to-day in many districts it was not only holding its own but showing slight but noticeable signs of increasing. There was evidence in some districts that the operations of poachers, both pakeha and Maori, had led to a serious diminution of the pigeon population. The increase in some localities could be attributed in some measure to the planting by public-spirited bodies and citizens of berry-bearing trees. “I have been heartened by the large number of protests received and printed in the press against any proposal to remove the protection of pigeons,” Mr Parry added. “I appeal to the people of New Zealand to wield their power in helping to preserve the pigeon and other native birds. Instructions have been given to the officers charged with the administration of the Animals’ Protection and Game Act to increase activity in enforcjng the law against all offenders. During the last few years there have been quite a number of prosecutions by acclimatisation societies against offenders. I heartily commend these bodies for their good work.”