NATIVE BIRDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23072, 24 June 1938, Page 13

NATIVE BIRDS

SUGGESTION FOR ZOO USE OF WOODED AREA " It seems quite impossible to know of the tui, the bellbird, the parakeet or the kaka at close quarters and it, appears unfair that the average New Zealander has to gain knowledge of his native birds from illustrations or from stuffed specimens in the museums, stated Mr. G. Rowland Hutchinson at the annual meeting ol the Auckland Zoological Society last night. He behoved there was now an area at the Auckland Zoo. containing food-bearing shrubs and trees, which would form an admirable flight for New Zealand birds. A member of the City Council, J. L. Coakley, said the area referred to as a suitable location for a native bird 'flight was in a gully opposite the tea kiosk. The estimated cost of the necessary improvements was about £IBO but no action could possibly be taken until the council's estimates were considered. Efforts hajl been made in the past to take varieties of native birds into captivity, said Dr. H. A. Chatfield. One of the principles of the society was the protection of these birds and to interfere with the Act would, in his opinion, prove a mistake. Mr. Hutchinson said he understood that an objection had been entered by a past Minister of Internal Aflairs until a proper enclosure containing shrubs and food-bearing native trees was available. Now that these facilities could be provided it might be an opportune time to revive the subject. The birds would be kept under ideal conditions. It was decided to refer the question to the consideration of th«> incoming committee