SEABIRDS KILLED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21880, 16 August 1934, Page 12

SEABIRDS KILLED

OIL WASTE FROM SHIPS MUSEUM COUNCIL'S CONCERN "SOMETHING MUST BE - DONE M Concern at the effect upon penguins and seagulls caused by the discharge of oil from ships was expressed by members of the Auckland Institute and Museum Council at a meeting of the council yesterday. The matter arose when Mr. Gilbert Archey, director of the museum, drew the attention of members to an exhibit of a penguin killed by oil received from Major R. A. Wilson, of Wellington. < "Terrible havoc has occurred in the English Channel from the same cause," remarked the chairman, Sir Cecil Leys, who pointed out that vessels discharging oil within certain limits from the Auckla&d Harbour were infringing regulations. "However, in the event of a northeast wind, oil discharged at sea will still enter the Hauraki Gulf," said Sir Cecil, "and the prescribed limits probably will have to be extended. Something will have to be done about it, for the menace is world-wide." Replying to a suggestion by Professor A. P. W. Thomas, that some means might be found of consuming the oil, Sir Cecil said it was almost indestructible, although it might be a feasible plan to discharge it ashore. "It would probably be more expensive," safd Sir Cecil, "but it might be a better solution to the problem." "If the oil contains enough fat to kill a bird, it seems that it could be burned/' suggested Mr. H. E. Vaile.

The council decided to take steps to have representations made in the matter.

Penguins and other seabirds suffered death in considerable numbers in the vicinity of Cook Strait recently, as a result of their being smeared with oil. The practice of discharging waste oil from ships is restricted, under the Oil in Territorial Waters Act, 1926. efforts for prevention INTERNATIONAL ACTION SOUGHT [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON. Wednesday - A reference to the injury caused to seabirds by the discharge of oil outside territorial waters was made in a recent question in the House by Mr. H. G. R. Mason (Labour —Auckland Suburbs), when he asked the Minister of Marine whether he would promote legislation to remedy the mischief.

The Hon. J. G. Cobbe replied to-day that tlie Government was advised there Was at present no constitutional power to enact legislation to prevent the discharge of oil from vessels outside territorial waters. The matter, which was a very important one, had engaged the attention of the British and other Governments, with a view to completing an international agreement. The Government was quite recently advised that endeavours were beiilg made to have it discussed at the next Assembly of the League of Nations, with a view to taking appropriate preventive steps.