AUSTRALIAN WOOD DUCK

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 891, 7 February 1930, Page 16

AUSTRALIAN WOOD DUCK

IMPORTATION PROPOSED

BROWN TEAL FOR WAIKATO The importation of Australian wood duck into New Zealand for sporting purposes was discussed at a meeting of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society last evening, over which Mr. F. E. McKenzie presided. It was stated that Mr. Telford, a prominent Australian sportsman, had made application to the society far two dozen quail, with the object of breeding in Victoria. In exchange he was willing to supply the society with a number of Australian ‘wood duck. “I think we ought to jump at the opportunity/* said Mr. McKenzie. “For the wood duck not only provides excellent shooting, but is a splendid table bird.’’ It was decided, if investigations proved satisfactory, to enter into negotiation with Mr. Telford. The question of stocking the Waikato with brown teal was considered by the council. It was mentioned that this area had once been plentifully stocked with the bird, which for some inexplicable reason had become scarce. Large numbers had been seen in the vicinity of Lake Kaitere, and it was proposed that means be provided whereby some of them could be captured and transported to the Waikato. It was decided to commission the ranger to investigate the position and send in a report. The secretary reported that 1,500 pheasants had been procured by the society this year, as compared with 1,140 last year. These birds were to be allocated to various districts. Reference was made to an attack made on acclimatisation societies in general by the Bird Protection Society. A committee, comprising Messrs. F. E. McKenzie, W. G. Wilman, J. E. Ray, and H. C. Savage was elected to consider the best method of refuting the adverse criticism. The financial statement showed a credit balance o t ,£66* 15eu.