FLIGHT OF PIGEONS

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 143, 19 June 1899, Page 5

FLIGHT OF PIGEONS

Owing to our going to press shortly after the event, we were unable to give more than. a very brief outline of the flight of pigeons at Government House on Saturday. The "novel" pigeon race, which had been devised by Mr I. Hopkins, secretary of the Auckland Flying Club, came o'l! about 15 minutes, before the main flight. Six birds belonging to members of the club, bearing, autograph messages from His.Excellency Lord Ranfurly, Lady Ranfurly, Ladies' Constance and Eileen Knox. Hon. Charges Hill Trevor, and others of the party', which were attached to the birds' legs In patent aluminium message-holders, were despatched together, little Lady Eileen Knox,who took great interest in the whole proceedings, liberating the bird carrying her own special message' herself.' The object of the race was to show His Excellency how quickly messages can be carried by homing pigeons. The instructions in the messages were to telegraph back to Government House immediately upon their receipt, and in order to avoid delay two attendants were placed at the telephones ready to receive word. In less than four minutes word came through from Mr Chileott's loft that his bird had arrived, others following shortly after, thus making this "novel" race—the first of its kind attempted—a very great success. We have already noticed the simultaneous liberation of nearly 400 pigeons, which was very successfully accomplished, and formed a most interesting sight. His Excellency and party expressed themselves as very greatly ■ pleased indeed, and the club is to be congratulated upon so successful a function. Before His Excellency left. Mr Hopkins on behalf of the-.club, offered the services of any messenger pigeons he might require should he again be travelling in the Auckland province— an offer His Lordship said he would gladly avail himself of. Several snapshots were taken of the proceedings by our artist, which will appear in the "Graphic" and" "Farmer."

Mr G. Hutchison, M.H.R., who is at present on a visit to Auckland, will address the citizens of Auckland this evening in the Choral Hall. His Worship the Mayor (Mr D. Goldie) will preside, and seats will be reserved for ladies and their escorts. Trams and 'buses on both circuits will run direct to the hall, returning after the meeting.

The Hon. Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Xt,, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Hons.- W. McCullongli and S. E. Schrimski (Otago), left for Wellington this afternoon in the s.s. Rotoiti to attend to their Parliamentary duties.

There will be no ■ sitting in the Supreme Court to-morrow owing to the occasion being Accession Day, which is a Supreme Court holiday.

Mr F. Lawry, M.H.E., will address the Parnell electors at the Road Board Hall, Eden Terrace, to-mor-row (Tuesday); night, at eight o'clock.

Tailoring.—Geo. - Fowlds undertakes to supply suits to measure from £ 3 3s; first-class fit and finish guaranteed -(Ad.)

To-day the Australians commence the thirteenth, match of the tour, meet-

ing- Oxford. Past and Present, at Portsmouth. It is probably more or les of a holiday fixture.