62 
NATURE NOTES 
Sir Robert Hunter stated that the Conference had been 
called with a view to the organisation of a special Committee 
representative of the many societies interested in preserving not 
only the amenities of the Thames Valley, but also the rights of 
the public with respect to the ferries, towing paths, landing 
places, backwaters, buildings, and other features of beauty and 
interest in or adjacent to the river. He moved the following 
resolution : — “ That it is desirable that a special Committee be 
formed for the protection of the Thames and its tributaries and 
their preservation as places of recreation for the nation.” 
Sir Charles Dilke, Bart, M.P., spoke favourably of much of 
the work accomplished by the Conservancy in the lower reaches 
of the river. They had also done much to preserve the water- 
lilies which were such an attraction, and which had until 
latterly been subject to great depredations on the part of pro- 
fessional gatherers. He would be glad to assist in carrying 
out the aims of the Committee. 
Mr. C. H. Cook (“John Bickerdyke ”) expressed his regret 
that the power of purchasing land for public purposes, which the 
Conservators had possessed for upwards of a century, had been 
relinquished by the Thames Preservation (Consolidation) Act 
of 1894. 
Mr. Richardson Evans referred to the detrimental effect 
exerted upon the scenery of the Thames by modern advertising 
methods. The following gentlemen were appointed a Sub-Com- 
mittee to draw up rules to be submitted to the various con- 
stituent societies: — Sir Robert Hunter, Mr. Percival Birkett, 
Mr. F. C. Channing, Mr. G. G. T. Treherne, and Mr. C. H. 
Cook. 
Sutton Park a “ Sanctuary.” — The crested grebe which 
Mr. Genders shot in Sutton Park about twelve months ago will 
have a lasting memorial if a proposal which Mr. C. E. Mathews 
is putting forward is carried into effect. It was Mr. Mathews 
who called public attention to the slaughter of the grebe and the 
short-eared owl twelve months ago, and as a consequence of the 
agitation then raised the Town Council of Sutton Coldfield with- 
drew the shooting licenses which had hitherto been in force. 
Speaking at a “ kindness to animals ” meeting, Mr. hlathews 
stated that the change which had come over Sutton Park in 
twelve months was really wonderful. Wild life of all kinds now 
abounded there — heron, grebe, widgeon, pheasants, and hares, 
and the place had become a perfect sanctuary for fur and feather. 
He wanted the Corporation of Sutton Coldfield to take steps to 
ensure that there should be no interference with the wild life of 
the park in the future, and he sincerely hoped that the Corpora- 
tion would not require pressure to be brought on them to make 
them take this step. But if pressure were required, Mr. Mathews 
said, he should ask every man and woman present at that meeting 
to support him. The Dean of Hereford said that he was very 
