BIRDS AND FORESTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 165, 31 March 1923, Page 6

BIRDS AND FORESTS

DESTINIES INTER-DEPENDENT PROTECTION SOCIETY FORMED A meeting of those interested in tho welfare of native birds and forests was held in the Farmers Institute last evening, Sir Thomas Mackenzie presiding. The chairman said that some form of protection for our unique birds waj necessary to prevent their extermination. They were greatly indebted to Captain Saunderson for bringing their activities into focus. Mr. H. Messenger spoke on the days when native birds were plentiful. Only a week or two ago 260 had been brought into a Westland town. Mr. J. Myers said it could be proved bv scientific methods that bird protection paid. The majority of birds were insectivorous, and their food largely consisted of insects injurious to agriculture. Captain Saunderson said people were prone to recognise only the damage done by birds, without realising that the very life of forests and valuable plants would be threatened by the destruction of native birds. Some bird sanctuaries were threatened. In other places the white-tailed deer were committing shocking ravages amongst native flora. He moved: ‘‘That a tive bird protection society be formed to co-operate with the New Zealand Forestry League, with the object of advocating aai. obtaining unity of control in all matters affecting wild life, and also advocating a bird day in our schools.” Mr. Messenger seconded the motion. Mr. R. D. D. McLean agreed with what had been said. Captain Mclntosh Ellis, of the New Zealand Forestry Department, said that scientific silviculture was dependent everywhere to a certain extent upon birds, but nowhere else to so great an extent as in New Zealand. In Europe and America the winds distributed seeds and restrained pests, but here the winds were valueless. Messrs. J. P. Firth, Phillip Turner, and Leigh Hunt also spoke. Tlie resolution was carried unaimously. The election of officers resulted: President, Sir Thomas Mackenzie; vicepresidents, Messrs. W. Guthrie, J. P. Firth, and Sir George Fenwick (Dunedin) ; committee. Messrs. H. Messenger, R. D. D. McLean (Hawke’s Bay), H. F. von Haast. and J. Myers; secretary, Captain Saunderson. Enrolments then proceeded.