A FRIEND OF THE ZOO

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2288, 23 October 1914, Page 4

A FRIEND OF THE ZOO

General regret will be felt that the Rev. John Crewes has found it necessary to decline nomination for another term of office as President of the Wellington Zoological Society, for it is largely due to his energy and enthusiasm that the Wellington Zoo has become one of the most popular resorts in New Zealand. Mr. Crewes has put his whole heart into the work of increasing its attractiveness, and he has been able to communicate his unfailing ardour and optimism to a large section of the community. As a result of this his appeals for funds have met with a very hearty response. _ In the course, of time a varied and interesting collection of animals has been placed on exhibition at Newtown Park, and the large number of people, young and old, who take advantage of this opportunity of studying animal life is a convincing proof that the efforts pi the Society are fully by the Wellington public and visitors to the City. 'Mr. Crewes "has always laid_ stress on the utilitarian and educational value of the Zoo, as well as its function as a place of recreation. Ho has been a lover of animals from his boyhood, and possesses the rare faculty of close observation and independent judgment. He is no slavish adherent to traditional theories, nor is he overawed by the dicta of "authorities." ' He takes a pleasure in putting book information to the test of personal investigation, 'and he has discovered that the writers of volumes about animals are not always infallible. This gift of intelligent observation, combined with a pleasingly individual touch in describing what' he sees, has secured a wide circle of interested readers for the notes which he. .has from time to time contributed to The Dominion. Though Mr. Crewes will no longer bo President of the Zoological Society it may bo safely taken for granted that his interest in all that concerns the welfare of the Zoo will continue unabated. Mr. Crewes is one of those public-spirited citizens who seek no reward for their services to the community beyond the knowledge that their efforts are appreciated by those they desire to benefit. ■ ' ..