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Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 79, 27 December 1928, Page 6

Aucklanders of another generation knew a locality in the vicinity of the Three Kings, a popular rendezvous for picnic parties, where one attraction was exploration of several large caves, two of which reach for a great distance underground. Since then the district has become a residential one, and the caves have been turned to good use by the Mount Eden Borough Council for the disposal of stormwater drainage. Where the water goes is somewhat of a mystery, although there is more than a passing suspicion that it purifies itself during a subterranean passage, and emerges somewhere else (remarks the “Star”). Although a limited portion of Motuihi is now to be available for picnickers, the major portion of the island is still to be strictly reserved, particularly the south-western end (states the Auckland “Star”). Scattered about are several large clumps of bush, and as a result of close protection the native birds have found a sanctuary. Officials on the island bear out the statement that the rare makomako or bellbird is there, and tuis, pigeons, and an occasional kaka have been seen. Pheasants were liberated on the island some time ago, but they did not flourish. The English birds have for many years been plentiful on Motuihi, the thrush, blackbird, starling, chaffinch, and the übiquitous sparrow being fairly common. A black cat which accompanied a family from. Annan to Stranraer, Scotland, disappeared the next morning, and eleven days later arrived at its old home. The distance is about a hundred miles.