Australian Magpie

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 173, 19 April 1937, Page 13

Australian Magpie

Sir, —Iu your issue of Thursday, April 15, prominence is given to an article on the xlustralian magpie. May a compatriot hasten to his defence.? The unqualified charges against the magpie that he is destructive and useless, display ignorance if not vindictiveness. Anyone possessing any real knowledge of our lively, cheerful, naturalised friend, knows that, even though his high spirits occasionally cause offence, his good qualities much more than compensate for his casual, mischievous exuberances. He is essentially an insectivorous bird. Few, if any, of New Zealand indigenous birds can compare with him as a destroyer of insect pests. Before any organised effort is made to exterminate the magpie at the instance of partially-informed detractors, competent authorities should be consulted, and our jaunty friend be given a fair trial before he is condemned.—l am, etc.. . ■ AUSSIE. Nelson, April 16. • Answers to Correspondents Mother: These workers arc not covered by an industrial award and no provision is made for the holidays mentioned.