MISCHIEVOUS ACCLIMATISATION.

Evening Post, Volume XLVII, Issue 104, 3 May 1894, Page 3

MISCHIEVOUS ACCLIMATISATION.

TO TMR EDITOR. Sib— l notioe that it is the intention of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society to import a consignment of Tasmanian magpies and minahs. To the former no one can possibly have any objection, but towards tho latter no objection oan be too strongly urged in condemnation. To fruit-growers who have found to their cost what the Fngliah blaokbird can do to their strawborries and chorries, the advent: of the Tasmanian minah will bat intensify their antipathy. With the exception of the " white-eye," there is in Tasmania no greater pest to tho fruit grower, and I have, as a boy, been told off to shnot them, in tho hopes of retaining a little of the season's strawberries. The Indian minah ought to bo quite scourge enough without increasing the class. If the Society do wish to import one or two good sorts of birds from that country there is either the black magpie (quite distinct from the blaok and white) and the " wattle bird," both- excellent eating, especially the latter, in winter time, when he geta in splendid condition. Then for plumage there is tho little '.* blue wren," the " red breast," the " fire tail," and many othors quite harmless in themselves when compared to the " minah," which I trust the Society will think twioe before they • improve on his acquaintance. I am, Ac. HeBBEBT J. ChOWTHKB, 99, Tinakori-road.