STATE GAME FARM.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 342, 25 January 1937, Page 6

STATE GAME FARM.

Result Of First Year of Pheasant Breeding. As a result of the first year’s breeding operations, the Internal Affairs Department expects to have 1000 pheasants ready for Liberation from its recently established game farm on the slopes of Ngongotaha Mountain, near Rotorua. Although the farm was not opened until about a* month after the normal commencement of the breeding season, there are already 800 birds in the pens, 50 being two-month-old chicks, 80 seven weeks old, and the

remainder of varying ages. The site occupied by the farm is an ideal one for the purpose, and also for the planned erection of a new trout hatchery, which, although delayed, should now be completed before the next, stripping season. A large spring which provides a water supply for the Ngongothaa village passes through the property, and this is particularly advantageous for the dual requirements of the game farm, and the proposed trout hatchery. The site covers an area of nearly 13 acres.

When the Government recently granted approval to proceed with the scheme no time was lost in the erection of the necessary pens for the stock, birds and chicks and other buildings. A large brooder and three incubators have been installed, together with storehouses for feed, and temporary living quarters for the curator, Mr. A. Digby. There is a large fowl run where the hens used for hatching the pheasant eggs are accommodated. Tenders are to be called shortly for the erection of more

permanent quarters for the curator of both the game farm and the new (rout hatchery.