WELLINGTON ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14524, 28 November 1912, Page 7

WELLINGTON ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

DEPUTATION TO THE HON. J. ALLEN.

(special to "tub press.") WELLINGTON, November 27. Tho members of tbo Wollington Zoological Society waited upon tho Minister of Finance, and asked if ho would, during his visit to England, consnlb with Or. Mitchell, secretary of tho London Zoological Association, and Director of tho London Zoo, with regard to bird and .animal sanctuaries, in which ho takes a great interest. In I Now Zealand," they said, thero were some birds that wero of great interest Ito tho whole world, notably the huia j and tho great spotted owl, and they urged tho necessity of protecting those birds, and also the tuatara lizard. It was also suggested that the Minister should endeavour to arrange with Dr. Mitchell for the exchange of New Zealand fauna for animals which could be spared from the London Zoo. The Wellington Society had already been in communication with Dr. Mitchell, and he had stated that ho would bo flad to get almost any of the New ealand birds. •Mr Allen said that while in London he would talk tho matter over wITTi Dr". Mitchell, and report to the society on his return. Mr Crewes also said that the society wished the Government to undertake the collection of New Zealand fauna for the rurpose of exchange. If the Government could not do that, he would ask the Minister to ascertain from Dr. Mitchell the condition upon which he would supply Wellington with a brown bear and chimpanzee, and a pair of black and white swans. Tho Minister said he would be pleased to comply with the latter request. The times were not favourable for asking the Government for financial assistance, but he would bring tho request of tho Society before his colleagues.