THE KARA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20522, 25 September 1928, Page 13

THE KARA.

AN ATTRACTIVE NATIVE BIRD. The fact that the kaka is protected does not appear to be well known (says the Lyttelton Times) in view of a recent report that a party which went on an expedition into the Murchison district to shoot wild sheep found, on the return journey, that “ shooting kakas was an interesting occupation.” After years of agitation, lovers of native birds had many of the birds, including the kaka, protected by law. The movement was taken up by Lord Onslow when ho was Governor of New Zealand. In his day the huia was greatly sought, because of its association with#the Maori aristocracy, the white-tipped tail feathers being used as ornaments to denote tribal rank. He had the shield of tne law placed over the huia. Later other species of native birds were protected. As the list was not considered satisfactory, almost the whole of the native avifauna was protected, only a few species, such as the black shag and the kea, being exempted. The kaka is in the first schedule of the Animals Protection Act, which contains a list of birds absolutely protected. A penalty of £2O may be inflicted for killing a kaka.

The Act largely was a dead letter owing mainly to general ignorance of its provisions, until the New Zealand Native Birds Protection Society was formed. From its headquarters in Wellington it broadcasts literature appealing to people for sympathy for the native birds, and pointing out penalties fot breaches of the Act. It has done a great deal to draw attention to the position now occupied by native birds, although there have not been many convictions under the Act. The kaka is so playful, noisy, inquisitive, fearless, and sociable that it is an easy victim to the bullet. It is a forest bird, but often migrates from district to district, flying at a good height, with a steady, slow, and somewhat laboured flight. Its principal foods are nectar in flowers and insects, but it is reported to be fond of raw sheep. With many other native birds, it is much less plentiful than it was in the early days. About 70 years ago kakas invaded settled parts of Otago in such large numbers that they became almost a pest. Not only in the bush, but also in the open on stacks, fences, and the ridges of houses, they were seen perched in rows, as close as they oculd sit. Settlers discussed means to deal with them, but the following year hardly a kaka was seen in the districts affected.

Mr H. G. Ell was one of the strongest champions of native birds in the House of Representatives. He has written _to the Minister of Internal Affairs calling attention to the report that kakas recently have been shot.