THE WHITE CRANE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2135, 1 June 1920, Page 3

THE WHITE CRANE.

Once, in that somewhat shadowy and ill-defined period known as a “blue moon,” it is given to those interested in bird life in the Dominion to see a “while crane (or heron), says the annual report of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. This bird—Herodias Timoriensi.s or Kotuku —is classified as indigenous to New. Zealand, and is included in the sixth schedule of the Animals Protection Act —blit no one really' believes it is a bona tide resident. The Moans hold it in veneration as a Inck-bringer —perhaps so. Early in September, 101!), a “white crane” appeared at 'Foxton on the West Coast, and. its movements were noted by one of the Society's rangers. Shortly afterwards a second “white crane” took up its residence at Mr John Barton's Mataikona Station, on the Bast Coast. Whence them caine, how long they intended to stay, and whither they are going, these are unsolved problems. But mark the coincidence! Tlie year just ended has been the Society’s “lucky year” —one of its best. Hats off to the interesting strangers —au revoir, but not good-bye.