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The ABC of forest fire prevention, by New Zealand State Forest Service, ca. 1941-1949. Alexander Turnbull Library. Eph-D-FOREST-SERVICE-1940s-01
The ABC of forest fire prevention, by New Zealand State Forest Service, ca. 1941-1949. Alexander Turnbull Library. Eph-D-FOREST-SERVICE-1940s-01

Description

Bush burning was commonplace in the 1800s as settlers cleared the forest for farmland. However this practice had certainly changed by the mid 20th century. The growth of pine plantations in the central North Island and a deeper respect for the uniqueness of our native bush meant that the State Forest Service (and later the New Zealand Forest Service) were keen to protect these forests. Posters like this example, which asked the public to be responsible and vigilant when using fire in and around our native forests, were one way of spreading the safety message.

Discussion

Why have native birds been used in this safety poster?

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