MINUTES OF CONFERENCE OF STATE GOVERNMENT 

 REPRESENTATIVES ON BIRD PROTECTION. 



OPENED AT BOARD ROOM, LANDS DEPARTMENT, MEL 

 BOURNE, ON 19th NOVEMBER, 1908. 



Present : 



•Western Australia ... Right Hon. Sir John Forrest, P.C., 



G.C.M.G., M.H.R. 

 g.ueensL^nd . . Mr. E. W. Arclier, M.H.R 



South Australia ... Mr. J. W. Mellor. 



Tasmania ... ... Mr. A. L. Butler. 



Victoria ... .. Mr. C. W. Maclean. 



The Hon. D. E. McBryde, 3tI.L.C., Commissioner of Public Works, 

 and Administrator of the Game Acts in Victoria, welcomed the represen- 

 tatives. 



BUSINESS. 



On the motion of Mr. Mellor (South Australia) and Mr. Butler (Tas- 

 mania), Mr. Maclean (Victoria) was elected Chairman of the Conference. 



After a conversational discussion of the Articles, as submitted bv the 

 Australian Ornithologists' Union as a guide to the business of the Con- 

 ference, it was decided to adjourn till lo a.m. next day. 



FRIDAY, 20TH NOVEMBER, 1908. 



All Members present. 



Telegram from New South Wales Government to the effect that the "Chief 

 Secretary considers no appointment necessary on behalf of this State at 

 Conference re Game Laws," was read and received. 



Letter from Launcelot Harrison, New South Wales, giving information 

 concerning the Game Laws of that State, and the manner of administra- 

 tion, was also read and received. 



Article i. Mr. ]\Iellor (South Australia) moved that, as in all civilized 

 countries it is an accepted axiom that insectivorous birds, taken in con- 

 nexion with agriculture in the broad sense, and forestry, are a national 

 asset, this Conference affirms that the proper protetion of the useful 

 birds of the Commonwealth is of far-reaching importance. Mr. A. L. 

 Butler (Tasmania) seconded the motion, which was carried unanimouslv. 



2. Mr. Maclean (Victoria) moved that this Conference thinks it desir- 

 able that the Commonwealth Ministry should, as soon as possible, intro- 

 duce legislative measures in the interests of the protection of bird life, to 

 supplement the existing State laws so far as concerns the export of plumes, 

 emu eggs, &c. Seconded by Mr. Butler (Tasmania), and carried unani- 

 mously. 



3720. 



