LIBERATION OF PARTRIDGES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29436, 11 February 1961, Page 14

LIBERATION OF PARTRIDGES

40 Freed Near Timaru (N.Z Press Association) WELLINGTON, Feb. 10. The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Gotz) announced today that the first planned release of 40 partridges took place near Pleasant Point, near Timaru, early this morning. Forty birds more will be released in two days. At least five further liberations are planned in other districts. This is part of the experiment to establish partridge in New Zealand as a game bird which commenced in 1959 with the arrival of 300 from Denmark. “This is a useful project on behalf of sportsmen which is being carried out on a cooperative basis by the Government and acclimatisation societies,” said Mr Gotz. Like the California quail, partridges were ground birds, feeding, nesting, and roosting on the ground. Wherever the partridge occurred it was considered a beneficial bird.

“I hope anyone who may see partridges will inform the secretary of the acclimatisation society concerned.” Mr Gotz said. “All birds have been banded and anyone finding a dead partridge will assist if he sends the band to the address given, with full particulars as to the date and place where it was found.

‘‘Several years will pass before it will be known whether the experiment to establish partridge as a game bird has been successful. “In the meantime the birds are fully protected.”