"IKEY AND MO."

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 131, 4 June 1923, Page 6

"IKEY AND MO."

AX IXTERESTIXG COUPLE

Two freaks of nature have for some time past daily provided an interesting study for those patients of Ward 14 of the Auckland Hospital who are permitted to occupy the open-air space on the balcony of the Costley block, incidentally to receive the benefit of Old sols health-inspirins rays, as well as to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the Waitemata Harbour, Devonport Ran"itoto, and the Channel beyond These consist of two sparrows, "both, larger than the common variety, and a peculiarity in each ease is the abnormal lemjtn and shape of the bill. The principal figure responds cheerfully to the cognomen of "Jkey." conferred upon mm with a considerable decree of appropriateness by the -oldest" inhabitant' there. "Ikey/ , the chief characteristic ot whom i s ins remarkably elongated beak, is full-breasted and quite the shrewd, business-looking gentleman he appears, whom, were he a memoer of the human species, one inignt confidently expect to be the president <>t a prosperous compound-interest establishment. He is, however, not quite so sprucely groomed as his sleek sparrow •ompanions, who at regular intervals during the dny accompany him to pa'take of the hospitality of the patients. who have made close friends with the »irds. which come on their beds for the biscuits and other morsels. At such times "[key" can more than hold his own in t'nc competition, annexing the crumbs thrown with the greatc-t alacrity. The bill of the other bird .'.'■'i^°,''"., t !' oll c'" u°t =o enormous as "ikey's," is much beyond normal, and the point of the lower mandible tapers and assumes a decided and comical upward curve, with a sharp end. These "friends" of the inmates provide a good ileal of amusement every day, and havo become quite a part of their' daily lives.