LIFE ON KAPITI

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 45, 21 August 1924, Page 13

LIFE ON KAPITI

A considerable improvement in natural conditions' on Kapiti Island is recorded m the annual scenery-preservation report of the. Under-Secretary of Lands which was tabled in the House of Representatives yesterday. The destruction of goats-and the removal of sheep, states the report, is having a marked effect on the young forest growth, and countless seedling plants are to be seen along the old tracks. Forty-nine goats were killed during the .year, and it is known that about forty still survive. They have become very alert, and at the slightest sign of danger take.refuge on th<finaccessible cliffs along the western side of the island. Moat of the privately-owned sheep have been removed from the Crown portion of the island. Very few of any Itind are now to be seen in the northern half, hut in the south a large number of wild ones of little or no value continue to graze on the open country and among the scattered clumps of manuka and tauhmu. It is doubtful if they are worth the cost of mustering and transporting to the mainland, and if will probably be necessary to destroy them Opossums have been kept in check by trapping, 1850 having been taken in this way during the year. In October l<m seven kiwis were liberated. One has lately been seen in Taepiro Valley, and one near tho Government .cottaee so there is reason to believe that they' are increasing m numbers. J