ISLAND RETREATS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1140, 30 May 1911, Page 5

ISLAND RETREATS.

FOR NATIVE BIRDS, EAPITI IX PARTICULAR. At the annuSl meeting of tho Wellington Acclimatisation Society last night, ■some interesting comment was made on fcho position of some of our fauna, and suggestions were mado for the. totting iiparl of the whole of Kapiti Island, and also other islands, as sanctuaries for I birds.

The chairman, Mr. L. 0. 11. Tripp thought that the Government should aciiuiro from the Maoris the remaining portion of Kapiti, and that (ho whole island should bo allowed to go back an fur as possible into its rtoturnl state. Then they would have an absolute sanctuary for our birds. In view of tho multiplication of natural enemies and tho spread of settlement, tbo only way to preserve the birds would bo to make every island on (he coast an absolute sanctuary. With reference to the society's game farm, Mr. Ross | had been very successful in breeding ducks and pheasants in spite of stoats and weasels. Still the bloats and weasels had accounted for so many birds that Mr. Ross thought the society would have to consider in future whether or not they would not have to givo up breeding pheasants at Paraparammi. Stoats and weasels seemed to be increasing in tho southern parts of tho district, and pheasants, he was sorry to say, were getting very little chance. Ho was told that in tho northern parts of this district the position was not so serious. The society had a deer herd at l'arapavaumu, and were able to turn out a considerable number of young door every year. Tho council had considered tho propriety of opening tho Wainui and Paraparaumu Reserves for stalking this year, but the ranger had recommended deferring that for another year. They considered it advisable to open tho Haurangi Reserve for one year. If tho society could afford it, ho would recommend them to put on a competent man to visit the different herds and authorise, him to shoot down stags and hinds with deformed heads.

Mr. R. C. Bruce, speaking moro particularly of the Rangitikei North district, said he was glad fo Bay that pheasants were most certainly holding their own; but thcro was a vgry remarkable movement gping on at present amongst our fauna. In regard to the South Island, ho was informed by tho Hon. T. Mackenzio that he thought it would be only a short time before our birds there were absolutely extinct. In the past the fauna of this country had never had to meet and fight tho pests they had to meet to-day. In his district there had been stoats and weasels for twenty-five years, but he had never known them kill a bird. They were, however, potent enemies of the rats. Pheasants were increasing, as also were wild ducks, somowhat rapidly. Ho thought that one of (he causes was that the banks of the Turnkina River were flanked with willows, which afforded protection to the young ducks from hawks. Pigeons, unfortunately, were each year decreasing in numbers, for the reason that tho bush was coming down. Thcro was one little bird that ho wanted to speak of specially, namely, the fantail. That little bird was increasing amazingly. Ho' had similar reports from other districts. He might menlitn that thcro was one fantail which camo into his kitchen after the ilies. It had got so tamo that the household fed it with flies. It rested on a string His other day, and, strange to say, poured forth a flood of melody exactly. liko a canary. Tho introduction of partridges had been successful in, tho Wanganui district. Ho had also been informed that the notes of tho bell-bird were again heard in tho reaches of tho Wanganui River.

After referring to other birds, tho speaker went on to condemn certain pictures in tho weekly illustrated papers showing sportsmen and the lqrgo numbers of birds they had shot.

Mr. A. F. Lowo concurred with the chairman's remarks as to preserving Kapiti Island as a bird sanctuary. Other islands might also be set apart for a similar -purpose. . Mr. Malcolm Ross moved that the incoming council bring under (be notice of the Government the desirability of preserving Kapiti Inland us a sanctuary for birds.

• Mr. L. H. B. Wilson seconded the motion.

Mr. W. Wakeruan mentioned that, when coming from Mount Houldsworth recently, lie had tho pleasure of seeing a pair of huias. The resolution was carried.