A DEAL IN PARROTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17837, 9 October 1929, Page 11

A DEAL IN PARROTS.

N.Z. FANCIERS DUPED. COSTLY FIJIAN TRANSACTION. FRANKTON LADY ISSUES WARNING Residing in Fiji there Ib one J. W. Begg who, though the name would imply that he is a European trader, is in reality an Indian engaged in business as a poultry and bird fancier. His method of supplementing his stock is, without doubt, a novel one and one that has caused considerable inconvenience and discomfort to many poultry fanciers of this Dominion. If the experience of a resident of Frankton is the same as that of others who have had dealings with Mr J. • Begg, of Wailailai, Ba., they have good reason for bemoaning their business associations with this son of India. It was the object of saving others from her unenviable experience that prompted Mrs D. Sutton to visit this office. It appears that Mr Begg, after scrutinising New Zealand paper advertisements, communicates with the person who has poultry for sale, offering in exchange a selection of rare Fijian parrots. The New Zealand fancier is requested to pay freight this end and the birds are dispatched to Fiji. All that is needed to complete the transaction are the promised parrots which, despite Mr Begg’s assurance that he can procure plenty without trouble, fail to arrive. The birds are acknowledged in due course, and the excuse for the non-appearance of the parrots is that trouble is being experienced in obtaining the necessary permit to export them to New Zealand.

Mrs Sutton's contribution included guinea fowls, bantams, a turkey goblcr, and a black swan. In her case the black swan was the only part of the consignment for which parrots were to be exchanged, the balance was to be settled in cash. The first shipment was made in March, but as yet Mrs Sutton has not seen a penny of the £2O due to her over the transaction.

While in Auckland a friend of Mrs Sutton, on inquiring of a well-known Auckland bird fancier about this parrot dealer of Fiji, was informed that he could supply her with the names and addresses of many others who had met with a similar experience with Mr Begg. They- had sent over poultry and game in exchange for parrots, which in every case failed to make an appearance. He told the inquirer that he had been approached by Mr Begg on the same matter, but had fortunately taken the precaution to make inquiries, which showed that the exportation of parrots was prohibited by the Fijian Administration. Realising that something was wrong, Mrs Sutton, on receipt of this information, communicated with the authorities and received official intimation that such was the case.

It is understood that Mr Begg’s parrot dealings are well-known among prominent poultry- and game dealers in Auckland.