From The Hindu Archives, January 8, 1926: Indian Birds to Fiji Islands

MR. J.C. Ward’s Mission

Mr. J.C. Ward from Australia had been in Madras on an interesting mission. His mission is to secure for the Fiji Islands a large number of insecting birds. It would appear that the Fiji Islands was once infested with species of rats which proved pest in the Island for sugarcane plantations and in order to destroy this pest a large number of mongoose, was imported, which not only destroyed pests but also the birds of the Island. With extinction of birds the Fiji Island became infested with another kind of pests namely, moths and insects which are causing destruction to coconut plantations and consequently reducing a great source of revenue. To get rid of these pests, the Government of Fiji addressed the Government of Australia for their permission to import a large number of birds into Fiji, but since Australian birds are mostly fruit eating birds this attempt also proved a failure. Mr. Ward was therefore sent to India and he secured from Calcutta a few hundred Shanas, Green Bullbulls, Oriels, etc. These have already been shipped to the Island. Coming to Madras Mr. Ward secured a large number of Dougas, Dyels, Barbets, Seven sisters and some Minervetts. All these of birds live on insects. Mr. Ward has left Madras for Colombo and it is understood that a further big consignment of birds will be sent to Fiji from India.