Wild Life Policy

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 55, 7 March 1939, Page 10

Wild Life Policy

Pressing for an intelligent policy in wild life conservation, the president of the Forest and Bird Protection Society says: * * This ideal will not be achieved until there is a proper appreciation of the complex factors involved. Much biological research is needed as a preliminary to the formulation of a correct policy. Some people say that hawks arc the real enemy of all birds. They ignore the fact that hawks have lived in association with birds for ages upon ages. Other commentators mention stoats and weasels. The society, which receives reports from all parts of New Zealand, holds that by far the most numerous accusations are ugninst man in the form of illegal shooting and other destruction. Much will be learned about wild life, and there will be much saving of waste effort and licence-holders' money, when it is recognised that an expert biological committee is necessary to determine what are facts and what are mere surmises. The investigations of such a committee will bring definite truth in place of disputes based on guess-work, and Ministers of the Crown will receive the knowledge necessary for their guidance in the wild life field.' *