NATIONAL EMBLEMS

Opunake Times, 28 March 1939, Page 3

NATIONAL EMBLEMS

FLOWER AND BIRD

PHOBABLE CHOICE

It is anticipated by many people throughout the Dominion that the Centennial period will brin# an official proclamation of the kowhai as the national flower (states the “New Zealand Centennial News”). The bloqm has a distinct beauty—and more. — for i( is rich in nectar, which delights 1 ell birds and tuis. The kowhai is a hardy tree which can flourish in almost any district, ft is not cheeked by frost. While people are thinking of the suitableness of kowhai as the national flower, they should also give their thought to the choice of a bird. Usually the kiwi is regarded as the “national bird,” but how many New Zealanders have seen or heard a live kiwi:’ It- is nocturnal and lias a limited range. Therefore the preference of many people would be the tui, which long ago began to seek food beyond the native forests. The planting of kowhais and other trees and shrubs which vield nectar or berries has ontic 'd tuis to many gardens, in towns •f the North and Smith Islands. Increasing’ numbers of New Zealanders are having opportunities to see and hear the lovable tui, one. of tbe world’s best chanters.