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Nelson Historical Society Journal, Volume 7, Issue 2, 2010

Deer In The Harbour — An Exciting Chase

page 41

Deer In The Harbour
An Exciting Chase

“The appearance of two deer swimming in the harbour yesterday morning aroused great interest amongst some hundreds of people. It is believed that the deer came from the vicinity of the Glen, and after travelling along the Boulder Bank for a distance took to the water,

On being caught sight of the deer were pursued by a number of boats and both animals were eventually captured. Mr Tregidga succeeded in getting the larger of the beasts and this was brought ashore at the Gasworks Wharf. Here the deer was liberated, and it bounded away up Beachville, crossing a number of gardens, and leaping numerous fences in great style. Making its way across Russell Street the animal got into Mr A. T. Jones’ paddock, and by this time it was pretty well fagged out, as it was observed to fail to take the fences so neatly as at the earlier stages of the journey. Mr Jones says the deer could easily have been captured on his property. However, it was left alone, and eventually it was seen on Mr Richmond’s run.

The smaller deer gave several boats a good chase. One party in their eagerness to effect a capture, omitted in their excitement to haul up their anchor, and they are not likely to forget in a hurry the hour or so of real honest toil they put in. This deer left the water at the commencement of the Wakapuaka Road (where some hundreds of people had congregated), and attempted to get on to the hill. Before it could effect its purpose however, it was caught by Mr W Bennett, who triumphantly shouted, as he took a seat on the beast, “The thirty bob is mine! ”

Efforts were made to lead and drive the deer into town, but no extent of persuasion could achieve the desired result, and an express had to be obtained.

The deer has been placed in the Acclimatisation Society’s enclosure near the Institute, and will be purchased by the Society, which pays 30s a week (sic) (head*)for the young beasts.”

*Corrected Nelson Evening Mail, October 17, 1905.