OSTRICHES IN DUNEDIN.

Shannon News, 12 January 1923, Page 4

OSTRICHES IN DUNEDIN.

EXCITING STREET SCENE

Two large African ostriches reached Dunedin on ' Saturday morning (says the Star) by the steamer Paloona from Melbourne, and their entry into the city created quite a stir amongst the crowds which were abroad after the birds were landed. The ostriches were housed in Jeffs' stables in King Street and a large crowd quickly gathered. During the excitement someone opened the stall door, and with an excited mob at their heels the birds raced at a great speed through the city. One of them slackened his gait when near an ice crean>barrow, and was caught hy an individual placing an arm around the yard or so of neck. A curious dog then came on the scene and snapped at the bird's legs. With a wild bound he sped up the principal street, with the mob again in hot pursuit. The strange sight caused some trepidation amongst elderly dames, who lost no time in dodging into shops and doorways. In his flight the bird cleared a 6ft fence with the greatest of iease. He was eventually caught near the railway station and followed his master back to the stables without any trouble, although he was naturally considerably upset by the presence of the mob. The other bird did not extend itself, and was captured by the stable boy before it had gone any distance. The birds are trotting ostriches, and the black one has a track •speed of 40 miles an hour. It is 40 years of age, while the female is 28 years old, A third bird, which is Hit 6in in height, was left in the Melbourne Zoo to undergo an operation to one of its eyes. This bird is claimed to be the largest in the world, and is expected to reach Wellington this week. All three birds have been exhibited in Melbourne, where they have taken part in races against breed horses, trotters, bicycles and bird against bird drawing sulkies. Each bird can carry a man up to 13 stone in weight with the greatest of ease. I The birds will be taken to the North Island this week, where they will be pitted against racehorses and trotters.