OSTRICHES FOR THE ZOO.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1154, 15 June 1911, Page 6

OSTRICHES FOR THE ZOO.

Some months ago the 'Wellington Zoological Society approached the Helvetia O.ilrich Farm Company, of which Mr. Massey, 31.1'., is onu ol tho directors, and uskcd_ the company to present to the Zoo in Wellington a pair of ostrichm. The company promptly presented, through iMr. Wright, J1.1'., who is one of fho most energetic members cf the Zoological. Society, a pair of very fine young birds. Unfortunately, although the son of the manager of tlie farm brought the ostriches down, and saw that everything was done that could be done for their welfare, one died on the first day after it arrived. The other has, however, grown and thriven very satisfactorily. This success has kept alive in Mr. Wright and the president of the Zoological Society a strong desiro to get a mate for the lonely young bird, and when a few days ago Sir. Wright was told that, the Ostrich .Farm Company would let him have one at a price which he considorecl fair, Mr. Wright hurried away to Fukekohe tu accept tho offer. His notification of his departure reached Hid chairman of the Zoological Sociciy when Mr. Wright was on his journey, but as accompanying the notification was a request for any suggestion that might be thought, of, to bo telegraphed, Mr. Cmves immediately consulted his emergency committee, and at once telegraphed that if Mr Wright would bring, in addition to th° one lie was going to present, another oitrich, the Zoological Society would pay up to a price which.Mr. Crowes mentioned in his telegram for Hit <>lher bird. The company agreed to terms, Mr. Wright. M.P.. took over the pair of birds, and brought them down. He was met at-rho railw-av fhtion by Mr. ( usllo. U,:: treasurer of the Zoological Society, who took them to the ]'ar!c, where, Mr. Crowes met him, and handed the ostriches over to Mr. Uusridge for the city. It has .cost Mr. Wri«ht and the Zoological Society a Rival effort to establish a tnmily of ostriches in the Zoo, but they seem determined to succeed, nml it is to bu hoped that their efforts will prove sr.ceo.--.ful. They speak highly of tho handsome manner in which Mr Massey and the Helvetia Farm Coni\n\\v have" met liiem, and the eourlosv Ti'-d" promplnc-ss villi which the ('iuvcviiui'Mit, tho railway officials, and the keepers of" the Zoo have assisted them.