234 state Secretaries' /Reports. ["^isffar 



a similar i)rovision. In the new (Queensland measure the old 

 clause on the i)oint is reinforced with a safeguard placing the 

 onus of proof of the bird's destructiveness on the owner of the 

 land. Another case in which the onus of jiroof is upon the per- 

 son charged, is in respect of the possession of any portion of a 

 protected bird or animal. It is not for the i)rosecution to prove 

 guilt in such a case, but for the accused to prove that he came 

 by the creature or material lawfully. Further, the onus of proof 

 of lawful intent is upon the owner of poison suspected of being 

 intended for killing birds or animals. No trapper is permitted 

 tCT have cyanide of potassium in possession. 



There was no protection for eggs vmder the old Act ; the new 

 Act provides a maximum penalty of ten shillings for each eg^ 

 unlawfully taken. 



Wide powers are gi\en honorary rangers (who include all 

 policemen) under the new measure. They may, without war- 

 rant, at all times enter any lands or premises, insi)ect any in- 

 struments sus])ected of being used in contravention of the Act, 

 and seize any animal or bird, or any instrument or poison through 

 which the Act is being contraverted. For the arrest of persons 

 in charge of such material a warrant is needed. Such persons, 

 however, may be summarily arrested by the honorary ranger if 

 they fail to give their names and addresses, and forfeit material 

 which is unlawfully held. Any person who obstructs an officer, 

 or incites another ])erson to do so, is liable to a penalty not ex- 

 ceeding £50, in addition to any other penalty incurred under the 

 Act. All comi)laints are to be heard summarily, and it is pro- 

 vided that no court shall reduce penalties provided under the 

 Act. This was possible with first offenders under the old Act, 

 some of whom escaped very lightly. 



Finally, the Governor in Council is given ])ower to strengthen 

 the Act by regulations. These regulations may govern the issue 

 of licenses and permits, the pro|)agation of birds, the further 

 safeguarding of sanctuaries, the defining of powers and duties 

 of societies which may be subsidised under the Act, the licensing 

 of bird dealers and keepers, and inspection of their shops or 

 premises, and the "enforcing and elucidating of the provisions 

 of this Act, and furthering the objects thereof." 



The passing of this measure marks a distinct epoch in the his- 

 tory of bird protection and study in Australia. Western Aus- 

 tralia passed a modern measure in 1912, South Australia in 

 1919, Victoria in 1915 and again in 1917. Ta.smania in 1919, New 

 South Wales in 1918; and now Queensland has made the chain 

 complete by passing what ]>romises to be one of the most effec- 

 tive of nil the links. It is for naturalist/ generally, and bird- 

 lovers in particular, to see that all this legislation is made 

 effective. 



A. H. CHTSHOLM, 



State Sccrelarv. 



