OTAKI ITEMS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1149, 9 June 1911, Page 6

OTAKI ITEMS.

Mr. A. Straw-bridge, who was injured several months ago by a fall from a horse, is still in the Otaki Hospital, and his condition is causing sorao anxiety. A benefit concert, was held on Wednesday night at Waikanae for Mrs. Strawbridge and family, and. although the weather was unfavourable, there was a. good attendance. The programme submitted was a good one. and included items by several Otaki performers. Mr. and Mrs. Cieorge Bell, who have been residents of Otaki for about 25 years, leave here next week for Wereroa, where Mr. Bell has secured a farm.

A special sitting of the S.M. Court will be held here on Saturday week, when Mr A. D. Thomson will preside.

All lovers of animals will be interested in tho developments which have taken place at tho Zoological Gardens in recent years in the direction of making the surroundings as natural as possible for the beasts in captivity. It was formerly supposed that "superheated apartments were necessary for the very existence of some of the inhabitants of the Zoo. but this idea, has long since boon dispelled. The open-air treatment has not only lessened tho mortality but hardened the constitution r.f the animals exposed to it, and although it may have had the effect of weeding out those that were delicate, there has been a material gain in tho survival of the fittest. From the scientitic side, as well us in demonstrating how animals should he tended, the sucicty has accomplished a. most useful work. The animals have more space than they had formerly, and on the extra accommodation for Polar bears alone several thousand pounds have been spoilt. Particulars of a splendid Wairarapa property for sale are advertised in this ismip by Messrs. Earr, Leary and Williams,