GLORIOUS 12TH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 209, 4 September 1935, Page 8

GLORIOUS 12TH.

GROUSE SHOOTING.

ONE BIRD—£S.

IN THE SHOPS 2/6.

(Special.—l!y Air Mail.)

LONDON, August 17

The "Glorious Twelfth"—the 12th of August—docs not mean much anywhere else in the world. But in England it is a tradition. Grouse shooting—one of Britain's most expensive sports —begins. When tho season ends, in late October, renters of medium-sized moors will have paid approximately £5 for every bird shot. Renters of the larger moors, who entertain on a more lavish scale, will have paid anything up to £15 a bird. In the case of Americans, who have to add the Atlantic crossing in luxury liners to their expenses, each bird shot will have cost about £250.

The right to fire at tho birds alone costs approximately £1 for each bird brought down. Lodge rentals are adjusted on that basis and it is assumed that the moor is shot to its maximum. "Terms varv with districts, of course," said a leading agent. "Tho most popular sizo estate is from 500 to 000 brace. Others, which go up as high as 7000 brace are let in a different category. Some cost £5000 for the season. The tenant of a moor does not engage keepers. They are already there. The engagement of gillies and beaters is his affair. Gillies are paid from 0/ a day upwards; beaters 5/ a day. A special staff of servants is needed for the lodge. "Food, motor cars, wagons ponies, guns, ammunition, sporting outfit and transport are other items which total a formidable sum." Travelling expenses have to be added. The return in cash is small. Batches of grouse will be raced on the 12th by motor car and aeroplane from the North to Glasgow. Edinburgh and London. There they will retail for the first few days at anything from 7/ to 17/ a brace. Later they will cost half a crown each.