DEATH OF SEA-LION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23205, 1 June 1937, Page 4

DEATH OF SEA-LION

KILLED AT BROAD BAY STRUCK BY MOTOR LORRY u Sammy ” the sea lion, which has been the centre of controversy among residents on the harbourside during the past few days, is no more. Last Saturday night he met his death while occupying the road, as has been his custom,' with a complete disregard for the traffic that sped by him, and, it is stated, even sometimes passed over him. Though “Sammy” survived on other occasions, his luck deserted him on Saturday when at 6 p.m. he was run down in the failing light by a motor lorry, the driver of which mistook the animal for a dark patch on the road. The accident occurred at Broad Bay. Sammy, apparently, raised his head at the crucial moment and was struck In the neck by the bumper of the lorry so that death must have been practically instantaneous; Though there may be some who will see in this accident a solution to the problem of safeguarding their property and their families, the general feeling of the public will be one of regret. “ Sammy ” was popular with many during his sojourn in the vicinity of Harrington Point, and in common with his predecessor, “Joey,” had received publicity in the press throughout the Dominion. Since he deserted his usual haunts round Harrington Point, however, and took to disporting himself in the vicinity of Macandrew Bay, he had not been quite so popular with some of the local residents or with motorists who had found him blocking the highway. Some had gone so far as wishing to have the animal shot, but it is doubtful whether public opinion would have tolerated such an act. The idea of appointing a special keeper for the animal on such occasions as he became too much' of an annoyance met with considerably more approval. “ Sammy ” was almost human at times, and none einjoyed a game more than he. Provided he was not teased in any way, he was always perfectly friendly, and the charge that he attacked children without provocation need not be taken very, seriously.