PIGEON ON SHIP

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 121, 18 November 1931, Page 15

PIGEON ON SHIP

When the coastal.steamer John was 25 miles north of New Plymouth on Saturday night, and about 23 miles from the nearest land, a white racing pigeon fell on the fore hatch. Its breast was wet through, it having flown too near the water, and it was in an exhausted state and could not have kept iv the air. much longer. The bird was in need of water, and this was given to it, and also a good feed. On its right leg was a rubber band with the number 27, and on its left leg the letters "N.R.P.C, No. 25," and also the number 434. On Sunday morning a note was placed in the band stating where tho bird was picked up, and an attempt was made to liberate it, but the pigeon refused to leave the ship. This was when the ship was off tho Waikato bar. When the John reached Port Waikato the bird flew about in the trees nearby, but when the ship was about to sail for Wellington the pigeon returned on board. The John reached Wellington, yesterday, aud the master, Captain Copland, showed a reporter into the -wheel-house, which is the pigeon's "home." Its feathers were a little soiled through having been in contact with grease, but otherwise it was in good condition. Those on board the ship are anxious for the bird's owner tobe found, as, because of the ship's frequent changes from port to port, the pigeon is likely soon to be lost. The John left Wellington yesterday evening for Dunedin.