New Steps to Protect ‘Teddy Bears5

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 60, 12 March 1938, Page 11

New Steps to Protect ‘Teddy Bears 5

BRISBANE — Austalia’s well-known • teddy bear,” has been assured "free roaming” in Queensland, j In order to protect the bear, or koala 'as it is more correctly called, which has fast been disappearing at the hand oi trappers, the doverninent has passed a bilj known us the “Fauna Protection Act” which repeals the “Animals and Birds Acts of 1921-1924” the provisions of which required tightening. Greater powers are now taken by tne Government to enable offenders to be dealt with and penalties for breaches of the Act go as far as £5'J. Sanctuaries are to be more strictly policed and the cooperation of local authorities v is made compulsory whpre necessary on the issue of an order in council. A provision for protection without limit for the koala has been received with great pleasure by all animal lovers. it means that at no time will it be permissible to kill these quaint and lovable creatures. Their skins have had a fairly high market \ alue, and a few years ago, during an open season, the slaughter of koalas by trappers and others caused such a revulsion of feeling that public opinion demanded that there should not be another open season. The act also prohibits the use of cyanide of potassium by trappers during the open season for oppossums or at any time. Popularized by ‘ ‘Teddy ’ ’ Kooseveir, who fashioned a toy for his ' children after the Australian koala, and serviceable to Australia as a silent press agent and tourist attraction, this lovable little animal has been waging a losing battle against extinction for many years. Individuals like G. A. M. Reid, T. H. Kelly, Noel Burnet and small groups of conservationists, have done much of the pioneer work necessary to an intelligent approach to the problem of saving the creatures. Recently conservationists formed the Koala Club of Austarlia. “If we except the discovery of gold in Australia,” say club officials, “no single incident has done more to turn the eyes of strangers in our direction than has this lovable native bear. Its plaintive face has sold Australia to the rest of the world, and, according to government figures, is Australia’s greatest tourist attraction. "Tens of thousands have voted them fascinating; have adored their trustful

innocence and radiant good will. -no National Travel Association published for overseas distribution more than 549,000 posters and books featuring The Very Thing Her newlv-elevated ladyship had just been introduced to a notable elocutionist, who had volunteered to entertain the children at a charity fete. "It is nice of you to say you will entertain the children, Mr DuutonGreene. How shall I introduce you?” “Well, I usually recite extempore.” "Oh, "Extempore!’ ” she gushed. "1 know of no piece more appropriate.” <B> «> <B> Tom: ‘‘We’ve been courting in this meadow for three summers now, Mary, but we won ’t be doing so next summer. ” Mary: "Oh, Tom, do you really mean that?” Tom: "Yes, they’re going to build on