New Steps to Protect ‘Teddy Bears’

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 78, 2 April 1938, Page 5

New Steps to Protect ‘Teddy Bears’

j BRISBANE — Austalia's well-known ■ •'teddy bear,” has been assured "free roaming” in Queensland. Ju order to protect the bear, or koala as it is more correctly called, which has fast been disappearing at the hand ox trappers, the Government has passed a bill known as the "Fauna Protection Act” which repeals the "Animals and Birds Acts of 1921-1924” the provisions of which required tightening. Greater powers are now taken by the Government to enable offenders to be dealt with and penalties lor breaches of the Act go as far as £5O. Sanctuaries are to be more strictly policed and the cooperation of local authorities is made compulsory where necessary on the issue of an order in council. A provision lor protection without limit for the koala has been received with great pleasure by all animal lovers. It means that at no time will it be permissible to kill these quaint and lovable creatures. Their skins have had a fairly high market value, and a few years ago, during an open season, the slaughter of koalas by trappers and others caused such a revulsion of feeling that public opinion demanded that there should not be another open season. The act also prohibits the use ot cyanide of potassium by trappers during the open season for uppossums or at any time. Popularized by ’‘Teddy’’ Roosevelr, who fashioned a toy for his children alter the Australian koala, and serviceable to Australia as a silent press agent and tourist attraction, this lovable little animal has been waging a losing battle against extinction lor many years. Individuals like C. A. M. Reid, T. 11. Kelly, Noel Burnet and small groups of conservationists, have done much of the pioneer work necessary to an intelligent approach to the problem of saving the creatures. Recently conservationists formed the Koala Club of Austarlia. "If we except the di.-t-overy of ,r oll in Australia,” say club officials’, "no single incident has done more to turn the ryes of strangers in our direction than has this lovable native bear. Its plaintive face has sold Australia to the rest of the world, and, according to government figures, is Australia's greatest tourist attraction. "Tens of thousands have voted them fascinating; adored their trustful

innocence and radiant good will. a National Travel Association published fur overseas distribution morn than 519,000 posters and books featuring koalas. The Very Thing Her newly-elevated ladyship had ljust been introduced to a notable elocutionist, who had volunteered tu entertain the children at a charily fete. "It is nice of you tu say you will entertain the children, Mr DuntonGreene. How shall I introduce you?" ‘• Well, I usually recite extempore.” "Oh, "Extempore!’ ” she gushed. J know of no piece more appropriate.” <♦> <•> Tom: " We’ve been courting in this meadow for three summers now, Mary, but wo won't be doing so next, summer. ’ ’ Mary: "Oh, Tom, do you really mean that?” Tom; Yes, they're going to build on