122 BIRDS 



to be seen at times on the Taieri, but no young broods have been 

 seen." 



In 1900 a shipment of 44 (out of 48 shipped) arrived from 

 England, and the birds were liberated in two lots in suitable 

 localities (which were not specified publicly). In the following year 

 we read: "An odd old bird is to be seen at times, but no young 

 ones." 



In 1909 still another attempt was made, and several birds (the 

 number not specified) were liberated near Milton, for the report for 

 191 1 says "the partridges liberated in the Milton district two years 

 ago are seen at times by the settlers." In 1912, "no recent reports 

 have been received in connection with those liberated near Milton 

 last year." In 19 13 we read: "Those liberated near Milton in 191 1 

 have not been seen for a long time, and have probably all been killed 

 by the obnoxious stoat or weasel." 



The Southland Society imported 48 partridges in 1899-1900, and 

 liberated them on Stewart Island. Mr W. Traill, writing in March, 

 1916, says the experiment failed. 



In connection with the Southland Society's proposal to introduce 

 these birds, Mr F. Sutton wrote (17th April, 1899): 



My brother and myself brought from England 19 partridges: 12 of 

 them were let go on my farm, and seven on Mr G. Sutton's farm near 

 Winton. This is about twenty years ago, before poison was used to destroy 

 rabbits. They had a few young ones, but soon died out. In (say) five years 

 not one was to be seen. The hawks and cats were supposed to be the 

 cause of their extermination. 



In 1889 a private attempt was made in Wellington to introduce 

 partridges, but it was not successful. In 1890 the Society received 

 two cocks and a hen, but the latter died. In 1891 the Society received 

 15 birds from Lord Onslow, and imported two from England. 

 Unfortunately ten of these birds died suddenly in the following year, 

 and the remaining seven were liberated at the Upper Hutt, but were 

 not seen again. In 1897, with Mr Stuckey, the Society introduced 

 32, and liberated them near Masterton ; and in conjunction with the 

 Canterbury, Nelson and other societies, an additional 16. But there 

 is no record of what came of these. The report for 1900 says: "The 

 partridges liberated at Rangitumau seemed to do well for a time, but 

 have now disappeared." Evidently the Society got some more birds, 

 for the report in 1904 says: "Out of some 35 " at the Game Farm 

 "only seven remain^." 



^ It is characteristic of the careless way in which acclimatisation society records 

 were often kept, that there is no record of the importation of partridges into Otago 

 in 1909 or 191 1, nor of their being liberated near Milton, except the statements 

 quoted above, which were made in later years. 



