MAORIS BECOME CONSERVATIONISTS.

Forest and Bird, Issue 16, 1 November 1928, Page 9

MAORIS BECOME CONSERVATIONISTS.

Our Maori friends who have more recently lived near nature than we pakehas shew a great knowledge of the habits of our native birds, and know well how to win their affections. Thus it would astonish many a shootist who is prone to wait carefully screened in order to even get within shooting range of a duck, to see the wild ducks come sailing down to the call of the Maori on Kapiti Island, then pitch unconcernedly at his feet and be fed out of his hand. Let a stranger however be present and the bird will likely pass at a goodly distance. In the mating season a duck will at times bring along her husband who takes a lot of convincing that the ground is good and safe. Then again at Mangamuka, in the-Hokianga district, our native birds have a . true friend and protector in Mr. Nopera Otene, an influential chief in that district. This enthusiast goes in for the thing on a more extensive scale, and preserves the birds by the establishment of sanctuaries. It is to be hoped other Maoris will be induced to follow the example of Mr. Nopera Otene, and thus help to undo the evil which the pakeha has done our wonderful and unique bird life.