“ON THE STRENGTH.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 15 December 1924, Page 8

“ON THE STRENGTH.”

TOWER OF LONDON RAVENS. The Daily Chronicle tells us that the Tower ravens are ‘ton the strength” and have their “sheets” like any soldier, “attestation forms” being filled in for each bird as it joins up. The writer of this picturesque story will not find, however, though he may search the, official estimates for the Tower of London very thoroughly, any reference whatever to these interesting birds. There is an item of £4O for incidental expenses, and it is probable that in this sum the food of the ravens may be included. No doubt the view is taken that their presence adds to the popular interest in the Tower, and that to that extent the ravens pay for their keep. The only other birds that may be said !to be in any sense “on the strength” of any Government department are the pigeons used by the army in carrier and signalling operations. During the war Colonel Richardson’s dogs were “on the strength.” Horses and mules come into the official list through the Veterinary and Remount Departments; and. of course, there njre the cats. Every Government office has its cat, and in some cases, dike the Treasury cat, which was once photographed" on the shoulders of the officekeeper, it lives to become famous. But you will not find the bills for milk and moat on the Estimates; they are duly passed by the auditors and included under the heading “Miscellaneous” or “1 ncidental.”