PROTECTION OF BIRDS

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 36, 11 August 1923, Page 10

PROTECTION OF BIRDS

FAST DIMINISHING SPECIES.

Suggestions for the more efficient proservation of the fast diminishing species of New Zealand native birds from exUnctwn were made by the Hon. Sir lhomas Mackenzie in the Legislative Council, yesterday afternoon. He ureed that the names of birds on the permanently protected list should be made as widely known as possible, so that the pubhc may know that' the native pigeons, kakapo, kiwi, bittern, -crane, and paradise duck and others may not be shot or otherwise taken, and that should any breach of the law occur the delinquent is liable to be punished.-- In order to assist in redeeming the law from becoming a^dead letter in. many parts of, the Dominion, honorary rangers should be controlled, as far as possible under one authority. He asked the Government.to take'into consideration how far it is practicable to enlist the sympathy and assistance of officers whose duties necessitate travelling or residence in 'country districts. It was desirable that the greatest care should be exercised in granting permits to those who wished to procure birds as specimens, and 'it was also desirable that the greatest judgment should be exercised in the selection of the caretakers tor native bird sanctuaries. He urged in conclusion that more island sanctuaries should be set aside for bird protection. r