104 BIRDS 



the country, and were found from Te Aute in Hawke's Bay to the 

 Kaipara. Apparently, however, all were destroyed in later years. 



The Auckland Society introduced some of these birds in 1869, 

 and kept them in their aviaries for several years, but there is no 

 record as to whether they increased or were liberated. 



Sandwich Island Goose (Nesochen sandvicensis) 



The Auckland Society introduced a pair in 1871, but the record 

 is the same as that of the preceding species. 



Brent Goose ; Black Brant Goose (Branta nigricans) 



In 1871 the Canterbury Society received a pair from the Zoological 

 Society of London, but there is no further record of them. 



In 1905 the Government imported some from America, and the 

 Wellington Society got a pair, but there is no further record. 



* Canadian Goose; Maine Goose (Branta canadensis) 



The Wellington Society imported three in 1876, and 15 in 1879. 

 These were liberated and were seen for some months afterwards, 

 but ultimately disappeared. It was reported that some of them were 

 killed by paradise ducks. 



In 1905 the Government imported a considerable number of these 

 birds and distributed them widely, 1 1 going to the Southland Society, 

 ten to Otago, a number (unspecified) to Canterbury, and six to 

 Wellington. 



The Southland Society liberated their birds at Lake Manapouri, 

 and sent three more there in 1909. Others were sent up to Lake Te 

 Anau, where they were reported to be thriving in 1918. 



The Otago Society lost two in the first few years, but after a time 

 sent some to the poultry farm at Milton where young were reared. 

 Ultimately in 1912 some were liberated on Mr Telford's lagoon at 

 Waiwera; and in 1915, 12 were sent to the head of Lake Hawea. 

 These are doing well. 



The Canterbury Society liberated a number at Glenmark in 

 1907-8, and these increased; in 1912 some were sent to Lake Sumner 

 and others to Mount White. Mr E. F. Stead (April. 1916) reports 

 that "they are thriving." At Glenmark they breed freely every year. 

 Those at Lake Sumner are doing well. 



Mr Ayson reports in 1915 that "they are doing well in several 

 parts of the dominion." 



I am told this species is a migrant in its original habitat, in which 

 case its establishment in New Zealand is rather interesting. 



