KILLING NATIVE BIRDS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21449, 13 September 1939, Page 3

KILLING NATIVE BIRDS

VANDALISM OF SCHOOLBOYS Although increasing numbers of young New Zealanders are showing a friendly interest ‘ native birds, there are still some boys whose lust to kill does not even spare the lovable fantail. Here is an extract fro. a letter received by the Forest and Bird Protection Society from a correspondent in Pikowai, Bay of Plenty:— “I have seen boys with catapults or shanghais shooting at fantails and other birds. Twice I have written to the school master about this cruel practice. I know he does his best by talks to the children, but I have felt it is a pity some member of your society could not get out this way, between Otamarakau and Matata on some Sundays and catch these boys. I know it would be hard to catch them. I was led to write because one boy shot at a fantail, broke its wing and then pulled its tail feathers out to make a dart before he killed it. I often get pleasure in watching birds and I feel so sorry for any one who can be so cruel-natured as to harm the poor wee things.” The society’s reply has this passage: “The whole matter hinges on the present inefficient system of administration of wild life matters in the field. The penalty for the killing of the fantail or any other protected bird, or the possession of its feathers or eggs, is £25, under the Animals Protection and Game Act.”