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Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 229, 25 September 1903, Page 2

j It is reported that several shining or I bronze cuckoos have been seen in Canterbury during the past few days. If the report is correct the fact is a notable one, as these remarkable migrants generally observe very regular habits, coming to the South Island early in October, though they arrive in the North Island during the latter half of September. The shining cuckoo, together with the other New Zealand species, ihe long-tailed cuckoo, breeds in this colony, appropriating the nest of the grey warbler or .some other bird, and' then leaves for other lands. The old shining cuckoos leave the southern portions of the country during the first and second weeks in January, but they do not leave the north until the end of that month, or perhaps later. This little harbinger of spring is easily recognised by its plumage, which, on top, is a metallic bronzy green, and below white, with bronzj brown bars, while the forehead is freckled with white. The two New Zealand cuckoos are among tlie most notable bird migrants in the world. The Newton Congregational Church's two days' fancy fair, held in the Foresters' Hall, was brought to a successful conclusion last night. Instrumental items were supplied by an orchestra dniting the evening, the leader being Mr Logan, and the conductor Mr Scullern. Enough money was netted by the bazaar tn extinguish __ debt of the cottage adjoining 'the church. Thle timber which came -'ashore from the wreck of the barquantifrue May niear the Kaipara is bedng collected, and will be. conveyed to Kaiipara Heads for shipment. An entertainment will be given by the Church of Christ Temperance Band to-night in the Church, West-street, Newton. , ,