Commenting on the character of the Papuan aboriginals, the annual report on. British. New Guinea recently issued by the Commonwealth Government says:—As far as native type is considered, the difference between a western man and a man of the Port Moresby district', or Eastern division, is as diverse probably as that between a West African negro and a Malagasy. They are the precise opposite of each other in physiognomy, figure, and character. Neither in their methods of fighting, dancing, or living do they in the least degree correspond with each other. In one matter,. however, they are alike, and that is in their intense belief in sorcery. The moije acquainted we become with the native, the more we see that the mainspring of his life and actions, is his fear of, or his reliance upon, sorcery in all its intricate mazes. Until this factor is recognised as being ever present in the native mind, the white man will never as much as begin to understand the Papuan character. Even so, it is scaroedy possible tbat any European can ever be in complete sympathy with a native, however much he may wish it. At the conference of Acclimatisation Societies, recently held in Wellington, and at the subsequent deputation of delegates to Sir Joseph Ward, bitter complaint was made of the wholesale destruction of ducks by “pot-hunters,” and measures were suggested for putting a stop to the indiscriminate shooting that now goes on. There is very good evidence that the slaughter of birds has assumed serious dimensions. Along the West Coast of this island, between Foxton and Wanganui, the wanton destruction of birds has been terrible, and there is reason, to. believe still continues. It is current talk tbat hundreds of ducks have been openly sold by unsportsmanlike individuals. The general opinion is that unless something is done at once to stop this practice, the duck will be a thing of the past. Hopes are entertained that while the “pot-hunter” is being exterminated close seasons will be declared—nob only for ducks but for all indigenous birds—in order tbat the guns may be stopped.
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New Zealand Mail, Issue 1745, 16 August 1905, Page 12
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351Untitled New Zealand Mail, Issue 1745, 16 August 1905, Page 12
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