They Got the Bird

New Zealand Listener, Volume 16, Issue 406, 3 April 1947, Page 11

They Got the Bird

OULD anyone knowing the whereabouts of 4 who has been missing from his home for some days, please communicate with the nearest police station?" That, more or less, is the wording of a stereotyped police message occasionally heard over the air, And, according to the police, this service given by radio is much appreciated, for its success is considerable. Listeners may wonder’ what actually happens once the message has been broadcast. We have been able to follow the procedure in a regent instance almost step by step. Bill Wharton (that’s his real name), @ prominent broadcasting personality, of 9 Picton Avenue, Wellington, left his home for three days and four nights, for reasons known only to himself. This time it was his family and not -the police who appealed to the NZBS for help. Station 2ZB promptly put out an announcement. Wharton had made his way" from Newtown to Karori where a resident

spotted him from his description, loitering about the streets and popping in and out of private gardens. A chase from 5.0 to 10.0 p.m. was fruitless. Next morning Wharton was found in the same resident’s backyard, admiring an aviary, and was soon returned to his home and family. For two hours Wharton refused to say anything about his travels and, as he has "doubles" all over New Zealand, the family began to worry whether he was really their Bill. If he would only say something they would know. He broke silence. "You talk too much," he said. Then they knew it was Bill in person. So Station 2ZB was advised and thanked heartily for its help. Bill apologised for causing trouble, saying "I’m sorry I misbehaved, but I love sunshine and fresh air. I’m sorry, Areta darling; do forgive me." Bill Wharton, you see, is the budgerigar whose astonishing conversational powers have been heard more than once over the NZBS, and his owner is Areta Wharton.