SWANS FOR PHEASANTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 February 1943, Page 4

SWANS FOR PHEASANTS

EXCHANGE OF PARK BIRDS. BOROUGH COUNCIL DISCUSSION. The two parent swans at the Masterton Park are to be disposed of to the Wanganui City Council in exchange for golden pheasants, it was reported at last night’s meeting of the Masterton Borough Council The three cygnets at the park are to be kept for the lake. “Why is the old couple being got rid of rather than the young swans?” asked Councillor W. Kemp. “The old pair are very well behaved and we have found over the past years that if three swans are kept one will be picked to death. One of the young ones will have to go. Like us they only have one spouse,” he said. • “Who is to know whether we will have any young swans in the future?” asked Councillor G. D. Wilson. Councillor G. W. Morice: “It is a matter of wait and see.” Councillor C. E. Grey said that the position was that the old swans had stopped producing. He had pinioned the cygnets and could assure the council that of the three one was a male and two were females. Interjections of “Good man” came from around the council table. Councillor Kemp: “Did- you hear them talking?” Councillor H. E. Gardner: “Did you know the swan song, Councillor Grey?” Councillor Wilson said that the oldbirds were a pest especially in the mating season. The park custodian had been given no end of trouble. The custodian agreed with Councillor Grey’s finding. “Be careful what you say, Councillor Grey, in case it is used in evidence against you in the future,” said the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, amidst laughter.