PROTECTION OF NATIVE BIRDS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 28 March 1923, Page 7

PROTECTION OF NATIVE BIRDS

Mr E. V .Sanderson ( Box G3l Wellington), writes:—

With reference to circular on this subject dated 31st January, those who have the welfare of New Zealand and of our birds at heart will be pleased to learn that the movement for better protection has so far met with marked success. The press, always willing to further the general weal, has given the matter every prominence, their support is absolutely necessary. While several leading authorities have expressed their endorsement of the principle of control as the only possible solution. It must he remembered that the general public has to he awakened to a. full sense of their responsibilities m this matter, therefore, all are requested to continue their efforts and give fbe press every assistance possible by contributing matter of interest on birds, aelimatisation, sanctuaries, and kindred subjects. “Don’t leavo everything to the other follow” ; any small item of interesting matter regarding bird-life, published hv your local paper, will help to arouse that love of nature and her ways which lies dormant in all of use.

Some very excellent suggestions have come to hand, one being that we should liavo a Bird Day for our schools, similar to that in vogue in Australia, where the institution has met with great .success. The robbing of bird nests has practically ceased, ami it is quite a common experience to find the birds nesting in the school grounds, where their habits are studied by the children. This Bird Day is set aside annually during the nesting season in order that school children may liavo an opportunity of witching many fascinating phase's of tile lives of the native feathered denizens of the country. The teachers also take the children on a special excursion during which the various birds ami nests met with are discussed and much interesting nature .lore imparted. The children are specially encouraged to take notes and observation, not- to wantonly destroy nests, eggs, and birds. From the notes thus gathered essays are written, a prize, or prizes being given for the best of these, whilo in the evening where possible, a lantern lecture is given by some authority on tho matter. In this way tho children are taught something of tho great benefitfcsc accruing to a country through the presence of bird life. They are taught to value and protect birds and in addition the study of wild lifo brightens their intellects, encourages observation and engenders a love of country which is the greatest virtue of good citizenship. If is considered by many competent authorities that if all birds were destroyed, human life would become extinct owing to tho enormous swarms of insoots that unchecked would devastate tho world. In addition to the destructive insects already’ known new ones are constantly being recorded, and some of the borers that liavp appeared in countries a few’ days distant from our shores are of a particularly destructive type. Instead of killing their natural enemies, the birds, wo should ho doing all in our power to protect them and to assist them in this ceaseless war against insect life. A public meeting will he held at Wellington on the 28tli inst. to discu s the ivhole question of the protection of our native birds. A proposal that a Native Bird Protection Society be formed to co-operate with the New Zealand Forestry League in advocating unity of control in all matters affecting our wild life, including sanctuaries ,etc., will be made, and the institution of a Bird Day n our Schools will bo considered.

It is also suggested that bird lovers in other centres should instigate similar meetings making any subscription small in order to ensure wide popularity. Many people are now generously giving time, money and effort to further the cause, wlrilo the Press is doing invaluable work in this direction. One journal, the Forest and River Magazine, having devoted a complete number to it. Your active and continued support is now necessary to help bring these efforts to full fruition.