Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 21 February 1914, page 4


FOX IN A FACTORY.

FEEDS ON LOLLIES HUNT IN FITZROY

Cocoanut, milk-kisses, chocolates, cats rats, fowls, and parrots are a few of the

delicacies that pleased the palate of a fox that is believed to have been brought into Fitzroy in a load of wood , from the country.

For several weeks it lived in luxury, depleting the poultry runs and artfully avoiding the traps that were set to cap-

ture it. A fortnight ago it was found in MacRobertson's bulk store, corner of Lester and Smith streets, where it sampled many dishes that were strange to its taste, but, nevertheless, appetis-ing. Many different kinds of sweets were devoured with avidity, preference being given to chocolates and milk

kisses.

Desirous of having revenge for the

disappearance of many domestic pets, a party of young men, armed with clubs and accompanied by dogs, went in search of the fox, and discovered it living in peace and contentment be-neath a large wall. Darting from its cover, it scaled a gate, and landed in a woodyard. The dogs kept on the move, and it dashed through Mr J.

Hurley's shop into Smith street. Chil-dren scattered in all directions, and women screamed as though frightened by a mouse.

The usual bustle of the thoroughfare and the clanging of the tram bells scared the fox, and it retreated to the yard of Mr G. M'Cracken. monumental mason. There it lay beneath a tomb-stone, but its pitiless pursuers declined to let it rest even in such a solemn spot, though the hunt was suspended for two days. When it was resumed a loaded revolver had been added to the party's weapons. Rushing at a man with a long stick, the fox escaped, and the hunter, in terror, climbed on to the

roof of a shed in the vicinity. Again the sportsmen were unsuccessful.

The final chase took place the follow-ing night, when Francis Hooper, an employe at MacRobertson's factory, went in pursuit with his Irish terrier.

The fox dodged through several houses and yards, but was at last cornered on the premises of Mrs A. Roth, at the rear of Smith street, and immediately killed. It was evidently no stranger to the locality, as Mrs Roth had lost 10 fowls in a week.