THE ZOO.

PROGRAMME OF WORKS. SIX POLAR BEAKS ORDERED. Matters in connection with the Zoo were discussed by the City Council at its meeting last evening. Mr. H. E. Vaile reported that he had interviewed Mr. 8. Smith, one of the principal officers of the Zoological Society, -who thought that polar bear cubs were preferable to the older animals. The committee reported that it had ordered, by cable through Mr. Vaile, six polar bears —four females and two males. The committee recommended that the council authorise the erection of a flying aviary with concrete frame at an estimated cost of £1500, and a monkey house at £720, in accordance with a report by Mr. M. K. Draffin, the committee to obtain prices for the work and that it be put in hand at once. The committee had gone carefully into the position regarding the proposed expenditure of the £20,000 loan and recommended certain works be carried out. This would require consideration, as if passed, it would not be possible to introduce others items or meet additional claims without further financial authority whicli did not exist, and obviously could not be obtained for some time. " The chief works proposed are:—Tea Mosk £1500, tigers' arena £1595, elephant house (for two animala) £2220, flying aviary £1500, polar bear arena £2000, tree planting and further development of the ground £2140, work at lions - and bears' arenas £1000, monkey house £720, and storehouse £900. " The committee confidently submitted the programme as one that would be calculated to place the zoological park in a first-class condition and make it highly attractive to both citizens of Auckland and visitors. The report was adopted.