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Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15274, 26 June 1923, Page 2

An animal’s natural instinct when kindness is showm by humans was clearly manifested one day last week, when a hair seal, about sft in length and weighing about 10001 b, paid an unexpected visit to Otago Harbour (states the Dunedin Star). The seal found its way through the fiood-gate to the Anderson Bay reclamation. She was unable to retrace her steps, but instinct told her the direction of deep water, which she endeavoured to reach by crawling overland. A 3ft bank, however, impeded her progress and after making numerous attempts to negotiate it she lay panting while she east a friendly look on about 100 spectators. An enthusiastic onlooker then procured a pick and shovel and quickly reduced the incline. The seal seemed to understand that the first tap of the pick was intended in o friendly spirit and after a portion of ■the bank had been levelled she climbed through the opening without much difficulty. There was a cheer from trie spectators when this was achieved, and the sagacious animal’s further progress towards deep water was accomplished over the grass, the man with the pick leading the way, and the crowd following in the rear. With a last look round at her rescuers, the seal then plunged into deep water.