If, as is unlikely, the old post office building in Shortland street, Auckland, were demolished before the new Supreme Court library is completed, there would be an opportunity for using the sculptured stone heads from the old building—or some of them—to decorate the outer walls of the new one. The heads are the work of the same sculptor, the late Mr A. Teutenberg, who carved those which are to be found on the court building to which the library will be an annexe. There are 26 of them altogether. Ten are comparatively large, and represent Royalties, famous New Zealanders and Maoris. In 12 smaller ones the artist has simply let his fancy run; two are of women in bonnets and the rest mostly of bearded warriors. The other four are grotesque animal heads, two having drainpipes issuing from their mouths. The activities of a pair of goldfinches building what is believed to be their third nest of the season are being watched with interest by the owner of an Auckland garden. The part taken by the male bird is chiefly that of escort and adviser, as he accompanies his mate on each excursion in search of nesting material, and, from the tip of a nearby bough, keeps up an encouraging twitter as she weaves industriously. Once, however, he was seen to pluck a tiny feather from his breast and offer it as a help for the lining. Gofdfinches are very thorough builders, and their nests may be found in almost perfect condition after the lapse of many months.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21685, 20 January 1936, Page 10
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258Untitled Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21685, 20 January 1936, Page 10
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