ZOO IMPROVEMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22579, 18 November 1936, Page 15

ZOO IMPROVEMENTS

NEED FOR ATTRACTIONS COST OF AQUARIUM The Auckland Zoo was quoted by the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, at tho meeting ot local body representatives at the Town Hall last night, a.g perhaps the best example of the city amenities which were used by all the people. As with other widely used facilities, the zoo was being carried on by the city at an annual loss, the net cost, excluding capital charges, for 1935-36 being £4290. He was glad to report that tor the current financial year there had been an improvement, but whether this would be permanent he could not say. Closely allied with this question was the attractiveness ot the exhibits and whether the existing range was sutiiciently large to ensure the maintenance of this improved financial position. Mr. Davis doubted it, and he suggested that deiinite steps should be taken to protect the £BO.OOO of capital which was invested in the zoo, but the cost of undertaking large improvements should not fall on the city alonn

One way in which Mr. Davis considered the 7.00 could be popularised was by the establishment of an aquarium. For 30 ta.uks the cost would he approximately £9OOO, but ho thought the proposal should not bo rejected without the closest consideration. There was always the possibility that if the suggestion were adopted the work could be undertaken in stages.