ANIMALS PROTECTION BILL

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12956, 28 August 1905, Page 5

ANIMALS PROTECTION BILL

VIEWS OF SOUTHERN" SPORTSMEN, [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN COEEESPONDENT.] CheistohurCH, Saturday, In order to ascertain how far the Animals Protection Bill meets with the approval of experts, a representative of the Press obtained some opinions from prominent sportsmen, who are- also interested in the preservation of native birds. Dr. Moorhouse, president of the Acclimatisation Society, said the Bill practically incorporated the recommendations made by the recent conference of acclimatisation societies. The conference had also recommended that gun licenses should be issued, but (his was not included in the Bill, the objection to it being that as Now Zealand was ■a infested country great hardship would be inflicted if everyone using a gun had to take out a license. Until such licenses were issued, however, matters would never be entirely satisfactory with regffrd to the protection of game. Referring to the Bill, Dr. Moorhouse said it was an admirable provision that prohibited night .shooting. That class of shooting was the most pernicious in the world, as it scared game away from their feeding places. He would have liked to see* a larger number of birds protected, and. thought that all bush birds should be included ill the schedule. Regarding the season for killing godwits, Dr. Moorhouse remarked that there were, other migratory birds which were absolutely in the same category, and there was really little use in providing for the e.odwit, if birds like the eastern, golden plover, ami the knot, were not also provided for. Another member of the society said the Bill should' provide minimum penalties for infliction on those guilty of offences under the Act. Such minimum penalties should not be less than £5 in respect to poa : chiug, or any oilier breach of the daw. Whilst magistrates were generally good sportsmen, and willing to support the societies it frequently happened that a culprit caught redhanded got oft! with a very small line, which did not act as a. deterrent, and lilies should bo sufficient in amount to deter. He regretted that provision wa's not made for more sanctuaries for game.