THE FIRST MAGPIES.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20010, 19 August 1930, Page 13

THE FIRST MAGPIES.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE PRESS. Sir, —I have waited a few days for someone more able than I to correct a statement regarding the introduction of magpies into Canterbury, made by your correspondent, in last Thursday's. PitESs. He credits a Mr J. D. Malloek with the responsibility for tlie introduction ot- these birds in 1871, whereas the real facts of the matter, according to the Hon. G. M. Thomson in his invaluable book on "The Naturalisation of Animals and Plants in New Zealand" are these (quoting from the book): ".The Canterbury Society (Acclimatisation) liberated eight birds in 1864; four in 1866, and 32 in 1867, all from Victoria. In 1870 Mr E. Doivling im■ported a large number from Tasmania, and these were liberated on.Mr Moore's, station. at Glenijiark". The Society liber-

ated 24 more in 1871. The birds soon established themselves in the provincial district and are now fairly common." This seems to dispose of "A.l.R.'s" claims on behalf of Mr Mallock, and will also, I hope, be of interest to some of your readers.—Yours, etc., A. S. WRIGHT. St. Martins, August 18th, 1930.