KAPITI ISLAND

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2452, 4 May 1915, Page 9

KAPITI ISLAND

(From a Correspondent.)

The fishing season at Kapiti has now set in, and quite a number of launches may be seen daily trawling, etc. The Watson Bros, have been most successful and keep both the Wellington' and Palmerston fish vendors well supplied. The island is looking well at present, an unusually fine potato crop has been dug on Mr. Webber's farm, whilo the rock and water-melon patches were quite a sight. The south side of the island, which the Government ha 6 taken oyer and made into a sanctuary for birds, etc., never was in better order, and speaks well for the untiring efforts of tho manager, Mr. Bennett. The various kinds of birds are plentiful and healthy looking, and since Mr. Bennett took charge,' poaching, which was .extensively carried on, has now quite ceased. On the north end farming is in progress, and only last week a fine consignment of fat wethers was forwarded to Otaki. Cattle also abound in Wild goats, which were over-running the place, have now been almost obliterated by the caretaker. Opossums may be seen in great numbers, and they seem to do well. There are no pheasants, but they should do well if looked after. The weather of late has been fine, but extremely cold, little or no rain has fallen for a considerable time. The great drawback to a residence on the island is the lack of communication with the mainland.

The dog mascotte of the City of London Fusiliers, which marched with the regiment in the Lord Mayor's procession, is Scotty. He went with the late Captain Scott oil'his Antarctic expedition, and was with Dr. Anderson as a team-dog when the relief party disoover-