DISCUSSION. G33 



Mr. Deane specially referred to the very serious complications 

 which the rabbit-destruction question created, so long as the 

 laying of open poisoned baits and the poisoning of waterholes 

 were resorted to on a large scale. 



Mr. R. T. Baker entered a plea for provision for the reserva- 

 tion of future national parks in the Dorrigo, on the Richmond 

 River, in the Pillaga Scrub, and elsewhere, before it was too 

 late. In time to come such reserves would be important addi- 

 tions to the national assets of the State and of Australia, as 

 well as of great importauce from a botanical standpoint. 



Mr. H. J. Carter and Mr. E. Cheel offered observations on 

 special phases of the question; and the President summarised the 

 suggestions which had been put forward. 



It was thereupon resolved : 



(1) That the hearty congratulations of the Meeting be tendered 

 to Professor Baldwin Spencer, of Melbourne University, the 

 leader of the influential deputation which waited upon the 

 Prime Minister of the Commonwealth on 5th August, upon its 

 favourable reception, with promising results. The object of the 

 deputation was to urge (a) That the exportation of the skins and 

 plumes of certain Australian birds should be prohibited; (b) That 

 Lord Avebury's Bill in the British Parliament be supported; 

 and (c) That the Federal power be used as far as practicable for 

 the preservation of the bird-life of Australia and Papua. 



(2) That a subcommittee consisting of Messrs. R. T. Baker, 

 W. W. Froggatt, A. G. Hamilton, J. H. Maiden, A. J. North, and 

 the ex officio Members, be appointed to confer with the other 

 Societies which are contemplating an appeal to the Government, 

 so as to promote co-operation in this and other respects. 



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