WHITE-FACED HERON

Press, Volume C, Issue 29540, 15 June 1961, Page 7

WHITE-FACED HERON

Man Fined For Shooting (N Z. Preu Aesociation) DAXNEVIRKE, June 14. A white-faced heron, a rare, protected bird which had been deep frozen, was produced as evidence in the Dannevirke Magistrate’s Court today when William Robert Huggan. a workman, of Matamata. was charged with shooting the bird on a property at Ngapaeruru, Dannevirke. on April 21. Mr D. G. Sinclair. S.M., fined him £3O. Prosecuting. Senior-Ser-geant W. J. Robertson said that at 2 p.m. on April 21 a resident farmer and a friend had seen the bird land on a swamp, and recognising it as a white-faced heron, had photographed it. They had seen a truck stop on the road and a man shoot the bird with a rifle. The farmer had retrieved the dead bird and taken the number of the truck. Police had later apprehended Huggan and confiscated a .22 rifle. Huggan had admitted shooting the bird, said SeniorSergeant Robertson, and said that he thought it was a shag. He did not bother to retrieve it. For Huggan. Mr G. S. G Lloyd said Huggan had first seen the bird which he believed to be a shag from a distance of 70 to SO yards. Counsel submitted that Huggan had honestly believed the bird was a shag. When wet, the two were much alike, he had no idea it was a rare bird and had never seen a white-faced heron before Very few people had. He suggested it was an innocent mistake, and there was no wilfulness Mr Sinclair: “E en if his explanation is correct, it was still an irresponsible act "