STRANGE VISITOR

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1926, Page 4

STRANGE VISITOR

FLYING FOX IX WAIKATO. AUCKLAND, Sept. 21. A report that a flying fox luul come into contact' with a power line in the Waikato, snapping; it in two. and was found dead beneath, was commented upon to-day by .Mr G. Archey. curator of the Auckland Museum. Mr Arcliey eoncurred with .Mr 0. I. Dasent, secretary of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, in saying it was the first time lie had ever heard of a flying fox in Xew Zealand, hut that did not preclude the possibility of the species being present. “The flying fox is 'i type of bat,” said Mr Archey. “hut it is much bigger than either of the two varieties of native bat. These must have got to Xew Zealand over the water as New Zealand has been isolated from land to the north since the mainmhls were evolved. The flying fox must also have come over the water, hut in what way it is impossible to state. The species is well known in Fiji, and also in parts of Queensland, line might get in the rigging of a ship, and he transported here in that manner, but it is exceedingly uuHikely. “The explanation might of course lie much simplier. Tt may possibly have ben brought here—some people have a queer idea, of pets—and then have been liberated. However. 1 would like to see that specimen as it is stated it has been stuffed. I could then form some definite opinion on the subject.” In connection with the epidemic of discovery of strange creatures on our shores of recent months, Mr Archey remarked that in the old (fays seals used to work up the coast as far north a 3 Rli.ssc 1 . They did not do so now, hut in isolated cases some would siill follow the old custom. Southern birds might easily have been blown up in a strong wind.