PROGRESS AT THE ZOO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18891, 13 December 1924, Page 12

PROGRESS AT THE ZOO.

AN ATTRACTIVE AREA.

LOAN WORKS SUSPENDED.

PROGRAMME FOR NEXT YEAR,

Development work at the Auckland Zoological Gardens has now reached a stage when the City Council has resolved that further capital expenditure shall be deferred for consideration when the estimates for 1925 are being framed.

The Mayor, Sir James Gunson, stated yesterday that a considerable amount of_ work had been done in excess of tho loan authorisation, and this was being provided for out of the general account. There was now surplus accommodation in anticipation of the valuable exhibits now on tho water and due from England on January 7, ..and those recently purchased in South Africa. The African collection would bo shipped this month, and should reach Auckland during February. Upon arrival of this consignment it would bo necessary to provide accommodation additional to that already prepared, but this could not be done until the exhibits arrived and tho exact nature of tho provision required determined. Among tho purchases was an African elephant and a rhinoceros.

Tho Mayor added that the Council had every reason to bo satisfied with the progress already made at tho Zoo and the approval of the public as evidenced by tho consistently-maintained attendances supported this view. There was every reason to believe that the public would find much to attract and entertain them at the Zoo during the comirg holidays. He mentioned that throughout tho holiday period the lower gate would be open for the admission of tho public, in addition to the facilities provided at iho main entrances.