RED DEER IN THE WAIRARAPA. TO THE EDITOR.

Srß. — I noticed in your yesterday's issue a paragraph relating to the deor liberated in the Wairarapa some years ago, and, as the latter part of tho statement is not quite correct and is incomplete, will you kindly permit me to correct it aud supply the omisBions ? The matter is not of much importance J but as I think, when the early settlers have all passed away, it may be useful and interesting to those who succeed them to know the correct particulars respecting the origin of the red deer in the Wairarapa, I venture, with your permission, to make the following statement :— Tho red deer were first introduced into the Province of Wellington in the year 1862. For this introduction we are indebted to. his Royal Highneas the late Prince Consort, who caused two stags and four hinds to be caught in.' the Home Park at Windsor, and had them housed for a short time, to tame and fit them for the sea voyage. Two hinds and one stag were shipped in the "Triton" for Wellington, where one hind and the stag arrived safe. The other three deer out of the six mentioned above, wero sent on to Canterbury ; but, as only one, a hind, was landed there alive, it was sent on to Wellington to join the two deer already theie. The three, one male and two females, were kept in a stablo in Wellington for some montlm. Tho publio complained at the expense of their keep, and intimated that the superintendent (Dr. Featherston) did not know what to do with them. One day I offered to pay the expenses of taking them up to the Wairarapa and turn them out on my land. This offer was at once accepted by the " Doctor." At the time the road over the Rimutaka was very indifferent, and roads in the Wairarapa were only beginning to be made ; however, they were stowed away in a stall sort of a box, and Mr. Hastwell (the then Wairarapa carrier), with his usual energy and care, safely landed them at my place on the Taratahi Plains. This was in January 1803. For a short period the three deer remained there. Then they left my place. Next year they returned for a very brief space of time. After that I saw nothing more of them, only hoard they were increasing fast further inland. Such ia the early history of the deer first introduced into the south of the North Island. I am, &c, C. R. Caeteb. Wellington, May 29th.