BIG CHIEF'S BIRTHDAY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 18, 31 May 1939, Page 5

BIG CHIEF'S BIRTHDAY

TE KEEPA TAWHIO HONOURED

The G6th birthday of the chief To Keepa Tawhio was marked on Saturday night by a surprise party and dinner at Piripai ? where from 150 to 200 Maoris and pakehas gathered to do the big chief honour. Most of the guest's family were present for the elaborate dinner, at which pride of place was taken by the cake with 60 candles. Dancing and items followed until a late hour. Thanks were especially due to Mrs W. La-wson and Mrs Sid Nepata who did great work in preparing the dinner and attending to the comfort of the guests. NATIVE BIRD LIFE Not only are native pigeons increasing in number in the Catlins and Waikawa districts and Waipori gorge where they are very numerous but they are also to be seen in the sub. urbs of Dunedin. This information is contained in a report by Ranger McLcod to the Otago Acclimatisation Society. Bellbirds and tuis are reported to be very plentiful in. all bush districts; pied fan tails and black fantails are on the increase, and so are tomtits. Parakeets and kalcas are not quite so plentiful, but in parts of Catlins, such as the Tahakopa and YVyndham districts, a number have been seen. The bush canary is to be seen in some parts of the Catlins bush The birds that haunt lagoons anil estuaries, such as dotterel, stilts, and oyster catchers, are very numerous, and there are also a number of bittern and blue herons.