Small Birds Nuisance

Capt. Willis moved—"That Government be petitioned to pass a law compelling every occupier of land to lay poisoned grain on his land twice in a year on days to be appointed by the local authorities; such poisoned grain to be obtained from the Road Boards of the various districts; and page 29 further, that the Government give £ for £ for the purchase of eggs and heads of small birds and the purchase of poisoned grain; also, that the various A. and P. Associations urge upon the representatives of their respective districts to use their utmost efforts to have the same passed." The speaker went on to explain at some length the introduction of the sparrow, and pointed out that larks destroyed caterpillars, grubs, &c., while sparrows did not. The small birds nuisance was becoming a very serious matter. He suggested that small rate should be enabled to be levied by Road Boards, Government giving £ for £ on amount collected as rate to be used in purchase of poison.

Mr Sinclair seconded the motion.

After some discussion, in which Messrs Bowie, Kyngdom, T. Mackenzie, Waby and Grigg spoke, in the course of which the latter pointed out that the remedy was in the hands of County Councils and Road Boards and not with the Government,

The resolution was put and lost by a large majority.