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Grey River Argus, Volume V, Issue 321, 4 February 1868, Page 3

The venture of the Otago Acclimatisation Society, to bring out from London by the Warrior Queen, an extensive importation of English song birds, has proved a complete success under the careful management of Mr Edward Bills and his son. Out of those shipped, there are 524 on board, all of wliich have arrived in fine health and condition. They comprise 119 starlings, 95 thrushes, 65 blackbirds, 42 chaffinches, 60 linnets, 22 hedge sparrows, 40 goldfinches, 8 green linnets, 8 yellow hammers, 50 larks, 3 house sparrows, 2 mountain sparrows, 2 reed sparrows, and 10 redpoll linnets.. There are also 3 white swans, a peacock, and a peahen. The greatest mortality was among the robins and the sparrows, all the robins having died. Judging by the fine healthy appearance of the birds, and the cleanliness of their several apartments, the Society could not have made a better choice in the appointment of a manager, it being apparent that Mr Bills thoroughly understands the habits of all the different kinds. On one ocoasion, during the passage, a sea broke on board, and left water a foot deep in the deck-house, where the birds were caged. Some loss occurred through this. One of the larks had a leg broken, which was amputated by Mr Bills. It is now healthy, and as sprightly as any of the others. Mr Bills brings out, on his own account, for sale, 60 canaries, eight handsome goldfinch mules, eight song linnets, and three goldfinches. On arrival, a number of the members of the Acclimatisation Society, including Mr Clifford, boarded the ship, and were highly pleased with the successful termination of their venture. The majority of the "birds will be brought to Dnnedin this afternoon.— Daily Times 29th nit.