NEW ZEALAND BIRD LIFE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18521, 4 October 1923, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND BIRD LIFE.

On the word of an observer who speaks .'with ; unquestionable authority, Kapiti Island promises to become a valuable sanctuary where native birds may live and; breed unmolested. This news will be welcomed by all who have any interest in the unique and persecuted native fauna of the country. This company shouldbut does notinclude all born New Zealanders. Though bird lovers are increasing in number and are beginning to organise, there is still an appalling amount of apathy, of indifference whether some remarkable and .beautiful birds survive or suffer extinction. The present time is believed by ornithologists to be witnessing a turning point for many native species. Their preservation in sanctuaries is of importance if they are in danger of disappearing elsewhere. What is more interesting is that some which were believed to be doomed show signs of increasing,, /of . adapting themselves to changed conditions, and even of breeding in close proximity to settlement. The tui has a good prospect of continued existence. The bell-bird has reappeared in localities from which it vanished many years ago. The shy and flightless/kiwi is 'making a surprising struggle for existence in places where it was feared close settlement' had sounded its death-knell. , The pugnacious weka is known to be making a; fight against introduced vermin which seek to prey on it and on other native birds. It is gaining a reputation as a protector 'of its fellow- species against rats, stoats, and weasels. Doubt is being thrown on its supposed character as a thief and an egg-eater. There is now hope that unless further persecuted and wantonly destroyed many of these birds will thrive and again become reasonably plentiful. Their maintenance in sanctuaries is the business of the Government. Their protection elsewhere is a duty which should be gladly assumed by everyone. There is room for the cultivation of a stronger sentiment in favour of the native birds. Something might be done in the schools. They have an economic value as disseminators of seeds' and destroyers of insects.■.;■■■■• They should ■also be invested with some degree of sentiment there should always be room and regard in New Zealand : for New Zealand birds. / /