OTANE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 214, 24 August 1931, Page 7

OTANE

(Own Correspondent.)

On Thursday evening, at the Town Hall, the Women’s Institute held an “open” meeting, when Mr. Johannes Andersen, of the Turnbull Library, Wellington, gave a wonderfully interesting lecture on the life and habits of our birds. Mr. Andersen is a recognised authority on the subject, and one was able to see from his able handling of the subject that these truly interesting little creatures are real friends to Mr. Andersen.

At Kapiti Island bird sanctuary, the caretaker and his wife have made such friends of the native birds, that a bellbird flew down to drink sweetened water from a dish held in Mr. Andersen’s hand, and a wild duck became a regular backdoor visitor, bringing her ducklings for food. Many such instances were told, showing that it is comparatively easy to win the confidence of our feathered friends. Many slides were shown, and one realised the patience required to get these pictures. At the conclusion of his lecture Mr. Andersen was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Special thanks are due to Mr. Tierney for lending his screen; to Mr. Windley, for his time and trouble m fixing and manipulating the lantern; to Miss Lydia Williams, for arranging for the use of the lantern; and to all those who helped to make the evening such a success. Supper was handed round, and the singing of the National Anthem brought a most enjoyable evening to a close. Mr. G. W. Thorpe, of Taupo, who recently had his shop destroyed by fire, has decided to erect a much larger building in reinforced concrete. The contract has been secured by the local builder, Mr. J. Ashby, and he commences operations this week.