200 S.A. Society for Protect ion of Birds. [ ffi? 



S.A. Society for Protection of Birds. 



The eighth annual meeting of the Society for the Protection 

 of Birds was held at the Royal Society's Room, Institute, North 

 Terrace, Adelaide, on Wednesday afternoon, 25th November. 

 His Excellency the Governor (Sir George Le Hunte) presiding 

 over a large attendance, chiefly ladies. 



Interesting speeches were delivered by His Excellency, Mr. 

 W. J. Sowden, and Sir Lancelot Stirling. 



On the motion of Mr. Simpson Newland the following officers 

 were elected for the ensuing year : — Patroness, Lady Tennyson ; 

 Patron, His Excellency the Governor, Sir George Le Hunte ; 

 President, Lady Bonython ; Vice-President, Right Hon. Sir 

 Samuel Way, Bart.; Committee: Lady Way, Mesdames Harmer, 

 Clampett, J. T. Ralph, John F. Mellor, T. W. Hall, Paton, Somer- 

 ville, Knox, and H. H. Norman, Misses N. Wigg, Ware, Lewin, 

 and Cunningham, Rev. A. W. Clampett, M.A., and Messrs. M. 

 Symonds Clark, J. W. Mellor, and C. C. Cornish ; Chairman of 

 Committee, Mr. J. G. O. Tepper ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, 

 Mrs. J. Playford. 



The following is taken from the annual report presented by 

 the Hon. Secretary (Mrs. Playford) : — 



The number of members has increased from 1,175 to 1,274. The 

 committee thankfully acknowledges assistance given by friends and 

 associates. Its thanks are also due to the press for the insertion of articles 

 and items of information respecting bird life. The society is glad to learn 

 that the Government contemplates compiling an illustrated catalogue of 

 all protected birds for the use of the police. It is especially glad to an- 

 nounce the passing of a new Act of Parliament to amend, or, rather, add 

 to, the Birds Protection Act of 1900. In this amendment the punt gun 

 is absolutely forbidden, and the legal size of the bore of guns much reduced. 

 This will prevent much useless and cruel slaughter. The amendment also 

 contains valuable enactments respecting licences and other matters in 

 the Northern Territory. More legislation is still needed, especially for the 

 raising of the age at which gun licences can be obtained from 14 to 20. 

 The persistent wearing of aigrettes and whole birds in hats and bonnets, 

 and the continued falsehood of the tradesmen, who assert that feathers 

 are artificial or manufactured, are deplored. There are thousands of 

 tender-hearted people and societies at work with heart and soul to protect 

 and save the birds, and the society trusts yet to see the day when women 

 will look upon the wearing of birds or their feathers in its proper light, 

 as a sign of heartlessness and a mark of ignominy and reproach. The 

 work of the society shows steady progress. It is encouraging to state 

 that not one appeal for support to the most influential ladies and gentle- 

 men in the highest positions has been unsuccessful, and it is hoped that 

 by degrees all classes will be educated as to the stern necessity, as well as 

 the humanity, of protecting to the utmost the most lovable, useful, and 

 beautiful creatures in God's world. The financial statement shows a 

 credit balance of £30. 



Donations to Coloured Figure Fund.— W. Armstrong (V.), 12s. 6d.j 

 Col. Legge (Tas.), 10s. ; H. C. Thompson (Tas.), 5s. ; A. Gedge (S.A.), 5s. 



