NOCTURNAL COMPANIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1930, Page 8

NOCTURNAL COMPANIONS

OPOSSUMS IN AUCKLAND PARK. LADY WHO PROVIDES SUPPER. A family of opossums has taken j-p its abode in the pine tree grove in Point Erin Park, overlooking the Shelly Beach Baths, says the New Zealand Herald. They are seven in number, father, mother, and five youngsters. Only he caretaker of the park and a -few observant visitors are aware of their presence, as they are strictly nocturnal in their habits. The little animals have a staunch friend and protector in Miss J. M. Brown, who visits them every evening, fine, wet or stormy, taking her supper with her and sharing it with them. “My attention was first attracted 1 y a rustling and scurrying in the bushes,” she said. “Then someone asked me if I had seen the opossums and the next

night I saw them at close range. I used to sit very quietly, reading and writing under the park lights, and one night they startled me by jumping on my lap and taking possession of my supper basket. After that we became great friends. I give them bread ..nd 'butter and sometimes an apple of which they are very fond, and when I bring some roasted peanuts with me they go mad with delight. “When I first saw the young ones they were only' as big as kittens. All five used to climb out on the branch of a tree and gambol while the old ones waited round me for food. During the past week, ever since the storm, in fact, I have only seen the two old ones, I suppose the young ones have gone off to look elsewhere for food. Although they will eat out of my hand they will not venture near anyone else. Indeed, they will not appear at all unless I am present. I would not like to see them come to any harm, as they are doing no damage in the park, aqd they are such friendly companions.”