FIFTY YEARS AGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 10

FIFTY YEARS AGO

NEW ZEALAND BIRD LIFE Interest in the native fauna of New Zealand and concern that several species ■were extinct or almost so was evident in Auckland 50 years ago, according to a speech made by Mr. J. A. Pond, president of the Auckland lnstitute ; at. the opening of an exhibition of native birds collected bv a Mr. Reischck. Speaking of Mr. Kcischek's efforts to obtain specimens, Mr. Pond was reported in the New Zealand Hebald of February 1886, as saving:— . "Mr. Koisehek had often spent weeks alone trving to obtain specimens of the wingless birds of the colony, which seemed destined to become extinct, ana which were consequently becoming more rare and valuable; and the n ® ce , for obtaining good specimens cit them became all the greater. Hie e\tmct,on of this species of fauna seemed inetrtable, especially now that the ment has introduced stoats .and' n*ease» into the colony, and this was the to be deplored as the kakapo, the Kim, and others of similar species, imiist come a prey of these pests nhie . any circumstances, must prote desirable colonists. Already son New Zealand birds were extinct, - . the moa and the native this latter only one specimen existed, and that was in the Museum."