In opposing the application by the Queensland Canary Seed Board for a double duty on canary seed, it was pointed out that all the canaries in Australia would perish if the duty were doubled and Queensland crops failed.

'Tis said that Providence withal marks carefully each sparrow's fall, with eyes that slumber not at all and care that never varies. But would a brutal Government, when raising duties cent. per cent., find in its heart cause to relent, if told about canaries? Do bird songs its compassions touch? Frankly I doubt it very much.

Since potted music now destroys, with howling vile and raucous noise, all vestige of the former joys we found in songs and singing, must even our canaries go, and nought but gloom be left below, while feathered songsters, chirping low, into the blue go winging?

For years our golden bard has swung, 'neath the wisteria and sung, giving, from out a valiant lung, high songs to greet the morning. And shall the incidence of tax be made a burden for their backs, and doom descend upon their tracks without one friendly warning?

E'en greater givers of our laws, have fallen through some trivial cause. 'Twere well for Governments to pause, and cautious grow and chary, lest on some hustings yet to come, their eloquence be stricken dumb by yells that leave them spent and numb: "Who killed our pet canary?"

"Den"
Herald, 8 April 1930, p6