THE GARDENS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17859, 3 August 1918, Page 7

THE GARDENS.

BIRDS AND ANIMALS IN ZOO. DOMAINS BOARD WILL NOT'TATCK OVER CONTROL. The mat tor of the suggested dispersal ! of the birds and animals in I In* Ac- j eliniatissHion portion of the Domain : Gardens came before the Domains Board at. its monthly mooting yesterday, in the form of a motion, of which notice had boon given by Mr W, H. Cooper, as follows:- ''That this board take over that portion of the grounds now under the control of the Acclimatisation Society, known as the Zoo, together with the birds, animals, etc., with it view of improving the same, realising that if the disposal took placeit would be a distinct loss to Canterbury for both old and young."' Mr Cooper said ho moved in the matter because of iho Acclimatisation Society's .suggestion to relinquish what was known as the, Zoo. lie considered ! the work was one which the board should foster in the interests of the education of young people of the city and of visitors to the Gardens in the future. It might be neicessary to appeal to the public for money to maintain the Zoo and make it something worthy of the city. He believed the people would, support! such a scheme. If the board look possession animals could be procured from Australia. J 1 e made a move in the matter only on the'understanding that the Acclimatisation Society really intended to relinquish its control, lie bad made an inspection, of that portion of the Gardens and considered it was very neglected. The motion was seconded, pro forma, by Mr J. Lougfon, who, however, expressed an objection to flic board having anything to do with running a Zoo. He preferred a scheme which would result in the plot, being taken over and made a part of the gardens proper. The. birds could be removed to another part of the Domain. Mr A. W. Owles said he hoped that the birds and animals would, he spared. He favoured a, grant being made to the Acclimatisation Society for improving that- portion of the Gardens. He was opposed to importing any animals, however. Mr Fi. F. Stead explained the position from the Acclimatisation Society's viewpoint. The society bad not enough money to deal with the plot in a proper manner. From an acclimatisation. point of view some of the habitants were a failure. The'squirrels were useless. In regard to the pea fowls he had suggested thati they should bo kept for a time in a suitable cage near the tea kiosk, and then allowed to roam about, when they would be a beauty and. attraction to the Gardens. The pukeko was of no value. On being put to the meeting the motion was lost, only the mover supporting it. Mr Stead mentioned that the Acclimatisation Society did not- desire to sell' the pea fowls which, with the American wood ducks, were ornamental birds, and suggested that arrangements should he made with the Acclimatisation Society to take them over and utilise them on the lines he had suggested. After discussion il was agreed, on the proposal of Mr W. li. Cooper, that the Garden- Committee should cdnfler with the Acclimatisation Society and report to the board on the matter.