THE ENGLISH PLUMAGE BILL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11026, 14 March 1914, Page 3

THE ENGLISH PLUMAGE BILL.

("Common Cause.") We earnestly hope that the < proposed Bill, to prohibit the importation of the plumage of all wild birds except ostriches and eider-ducks, will become law. Opposition to it has never been raised by the women against whom public indignation is now excited. It has invariably como from the traders, who make money out of the traffic. London is now the headquarters of the feather trade, and the Bill is strenuously opposed by those financially interested. From women its promoters have nothing to fear. On the other hand, it is the demand that creates the supply, and, though we hold it no worse to kill a bird in order to wear its feathers and think them beautiful, than to kill one for the fun of the thing and call it sport, we urge all women to be sure their hands are clean in this matter. Ignorance, where knowledge may be had, is a sin, and 60 is the silliness once regarded as an engaging feminine charm. We have no defence to offer for the fatuousness of women who have heard that osproys involve cruelty, and relieve their consciences by asking the shop .assistant whether the coveted ornament is " real" or not. Of couree, it is never "real"—when you ask the question. (It will be remembered that a comprehensive and uncompromising Plumage Bill has just been passed in America, and that there prohibitions on the slaughter of Australian birds for decoration.)