[Letters to Editor]

Abstract

IT is desirable in a discussion on the Plumage Bill to ensure that knowledge is not controlled by sentiment, and that the solid facts of the matter are borne definitely in mind. Supporters of the Bill give three main reasons for it. They claim that the Bill will stop (1) the extinction of rare birds; (2) cruelty in that it will stop the killing of breeding birds, and so preserve their young; and (3) cruelty in the actual slaughter of birds at all. Against the Bill are the statements that it effects nothing in regard to these points (in that it has no action in the places where the birds occur); that it stops a great deal of perfectly harmless and legitimate trade; and that the real protection of birds must be an international matter, which was being quite easily brought about by voluntary effort, which effort will be killed by the Bill.