BIRD PROTECTION
REPORTED KILLING OF ALBATROSSES
MINISTER CONCERNED
Discussing with a deputation today measures taken by the Government for the protection of native trees and birds of New Zealand, the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) referred in deprecatory terms to a statement made in the Press of the reported killing for sport of young albatrosses at Chatham Islands. An investigation would be made in the matter, for, he said, certain species of the albatross were on the protected list of birds in the Dominion and the Chatham Islands formed part of the New Zealand territory.
"The albatross is one of the best-loved birds of the sea," Mr. Parry said, "and it should have the full protection of our laws. A former resident of the islands has stated: 'Young albatrosses were hunted' in the nearby islands, being killed with sticks, and a party oi hunters often returned with as many as 300 birds in the boats.' That statement shows that there is a wholesale slaughter of the birds going on at the islands, and if they are of the species protected by law, action is deserved and necessary. I am asking the Hon. P.* Fraser, Minister in Charge of the Police Department, to have instructions sent to the resident constable of the islands to undertake an investigation."
The Minister referred to the recent outcry in Dunedin where, at the Otago Heads, the nests of albatrosses had been wantonly disturbed by vandals. "That outcry," Mr. Parry added, "was well justified, and led to measures being taken which would at least ensure protection to the birds frequenting the shores of our southern coast. Fortunately, lovers of the birds in our country outnumber the people who do not see beauty in birds or who are not helpful in their protection. I, with others, look forward to the day when all our people from one end of the Dojninion to the other will voluntarily enrol themselves as bird lovers, for the birds mean so-much to the lands, bush; and countryside of the Dominion."
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19400125.2.11
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 21, 25 January 1940, Page 5
Word Count
342BIRD PROTECTION Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 21, 25 January 1940, Page 5
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