VICTORIA LEAGUE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 198, 24 August 1935, Page 7

VICTORIA LEAGUE

LECTURE UPON BIRDS. An interesting address on New Zealand birds was given by Mr. T. W. Downes to a gathering of the Victoria League on Thursday afternoon. Mrs. N. R. Bain, president, presided. To illustrate his talk of native birds, Mr. Downes showed a number of interesting coloured pictures and also demonstrated the call of several birds. In speaking of the morning, choruses given by birds, he said one would think that a bird’s first thought would be for food, especially after a period of rain when they must have had to go hungry, but they always sang first as though giving thanks for living. He told his audience of a number of young birds that had been tamed, and after they were capable of looking after themselves they were let go free, and later they brought the bush birds back with them when they came for

food. It was easy to make friends with I birds. It was only the coming of man that had given fear to the leathered creatures. We couid not help what had been done in the past in regard to the destruction of these birds, but we could now help to preserve the beautiful feathered creatures of our country. In Nature birds, insects and plants worked together. Birds helped the growth of the forest by dropping the seeds of plants and fertilised the forest by carrying the pollen on their feathers. Mr. Downes spoke of the birds’ nesting habits, which were wonderfully clean and hygenie. Some birds put a home together in the way we cannot imitate. The grey warbler makes a circular nest with a small opening at one side and a little verandah overhead. Mr. Downes gave interesting information concerning the habits oL' birds, the various types of tills and the long flights made by the migratory species. Books on birds, with excellent illustrations, were shown The lecturer was warmly thanked at the close of his address. Afternoon tea was dispensed in the Elrick Lounge. Among those present were Mrs. Haycampbell, Mrs. A. H. Boyes, Miss Laird, Mrs. G. H. Robertson, Mrs. Barclay, Mrs. L. Brinkman, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Cross, Airs. A. E. Wotton, Mrs. P. Doull, Mrs. F. Jackson. Mrs. C. N. Paine, Mrs. I E. Newton, Airs. Tatton, anc\ Miss Tatton (Nelson), Aliss Higginson. PAULIS DE To-night (Saturday) dancing will be held in the pleasant surroundings of the Druids’ Hall by the Palais de Danse, where a programme of old-time and modern numbers has been arranged for the enjoyment of patrons. The Palais Dance Band, together with coloured lighting effects, a good floor, good supper and Monte Carlo prizes, combine to assure the evening’s success.