SOUTHERN CHARMS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 115, 8 February 1935, Page 10

SOUTHERN CHARMS

“Can Knock Spots Off the North Island” SHEFFIELD MAN’S VIEW Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, February 7. No one could accuse Mr. A. O’ConnorFenton of prejudice when he passes judgment on the relative charms of the North and South Islands of New Zealand for the tourist. He hails from Sheffield, England, and it follbws reasonably that his judgment carries some weight, for he has travelled widely on the Continent. “The South Island can knock spots off the North Island,” was how he expressed himself. He added that he had been surprised at the number of people In the north who knew so little about tne south. “I can’t understand it,” he said in puzzled fashion. “Take tne southern lakes, for instance. Nor'tli Islanders are quite-content to accept .Lane Taupo as the best that is to be had and let it go at that.” Mr. O’Connor-Fenton is a director of the Sheffield firm of William Marples and Sons, Ltd., and has now completed the first six months of a ten months’ trip. He spent some time in Australia, and when he has completed his New Zealand tour, goes on to South Africa and thence homeward. He is combining business and pleasure, and declares himself delighted with everything he has seen in New Zealand and with the hospitality he has received. Few Native Birds. Mr. O’Connor-Fenton had one complaint to make, and it was the same as that voiced recently by Miss Sheila MacDonald, daughter of Britain’s Prime Minister. “I am very interested in bird life,” he said, “and I was surprised at the few native birds which are to be met with in the bush. At Stewart Island, where I put in some time, it was not so' obvious, but elsewhere I saw few biyds, with the exception of a few wekas. I have stood in the bush and listened for them, onty to be disappointed.” He thought some measures should be taken to preserve the 'native bird life which appeared to be in danger of extermination. It added greatly to the charm of any bush to hear and see the native birds about.