Feathered Women.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XIX, Issue 5905, 29 March 1894, Page 3

Feathered Women.

Miss Edith Carrington, in a paper read before the London Humanitarian League on "Feathered Women," remarked that of all the foolish infatuations which induced women to sacrifice their higher interests to the caprice of the moment the destruction of birds was one of the most foolish. It was high time for humanity to begin to consider itself grown up. The lower animals must no longer be regarded as something to eat, wear, or shoot. The feathered creation met with the greatest cruelty. The havoc caused was incredible, and some species were being rapidly destroyed. With regards to the slaughter of birds, the policy was suicidal. Some decree of fashion recommended the wearing of feathers. There was no reason or excuse behind which women could intrench themselves. Did they understand the honor of the trade in birds they would it up. The women were responsible for the countless millions of birds that were imported from all parts of the world. One American dealer declared that he exported 30,000 bird skins annually. The odious example of the ladies spread, and was taken up by the workgirls and servants. The wings of sparrows, robins, and other birds were taken and dyed in bright colors. Sea gulls and kittiwakes, perhaps, paid the heaviest toll, and their wings were frequently torn off before they were dead. Feather wearing must be given up altogether. mmm