Fifty Years Ago To-day

Southland Times, Issue 22999, 19 September 1936, Page 6

Fifty Years Ago To-day

(From The Southland Times.) SEPTEMBER 19, 1886. A Rare Bird.—The Foxton paper says that a day or two ago a cat attached to Mr J. Walden’s house at Moutoa brought home a very rare bird, called by the Maoris “moho.” Mr Walden says that in all his experience he never saw a similar bird. It is about the size of a woodhen, and has a most beautiful plumage, with a red streak round the neck and another round the breast, the rest of the marking of the _ feathers somewhat resembling the skin of a leopard. Mr Walden says that he believes Dr Buller offered £5 for a live moho.

Oystennen, Beware!—The Government has issued special instructions to collectors of Customs throughout the colony to see that the close season for shore or mud oysters is rigidly enforced. The regulations issued with the Order-in-Council prescribe that the close season for shore and mud oysters extends from October 1 to January 31 in each year. No time will be allowed for the disposal of oysters in stock after September 30. Proceedings are to be taken in all cases of infringement of the regulations, either for having in possession, buying, selling or exposing for sale.

Melbourne Steamer.—The Rotomahana, which had not been sighted when the train left the port last night, arrived about forty minutes afterwards. Our much-travelled Southlanders were passengers by the steamer.