The Last Great Auk: Its Fate at St. Kilda.

Otago Witness, Issue 2308, 26 May 1898, Page 52

The Last Great Auk: Its Fate at St. Kilda.

{ Dr Kenneth Campbell, Oban, has been tell , ing the atory of the last living- Great Auk. It | seems about 50 years ago a strange bird was seen one day on St. Blilda. It was agreed to try and catch it, as, though it had an enormous beak, it seemed to have very small wings'. Several of the natiy.es, who were adepts at bird-stalking, managed to get so near the \ strange monster that they threw themselves on | the bird, and, after a severe struggle, were successful in capturing it alive. When the huge bird was taken to the township, "The Island Parliament" was assembled to deliberate on the strange visitor, and it was agreed to tie its legs securely with strong cords and tether it for the night to a stout pin fixed in the ground near the houses, and to decide its fate next day. On the mor-row-the Parliament was called very early, as the bird had made such hideous noises during tho night that hardly anybody could sleep. The bird was undoubtedly considered an evil emissary. After serious consideration the verdict was given to have the vile bird stoned to death, and the sentence was at once carried oufc. , Months after k this, when communications

were again opened with St. Kilda, and the natives minutely detailed the points of the awaome bird to a visitor, they were informed that' if they had kepb even the carcase it would have brought them £300 or. £4-00. Then their chagrin was beyond expression, and some -of them began to search for some of the bones of the innocent and valuable victim.-