PIGEON FLYING.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14884, 26 January 1914, Page 3

PIGEON FLYING.

Hβ Chrifltdmrcli Homing Pigeon Society flew off its second East Cape Race last week. Twenty-one birds were cent, representing nine ownors competing. The birds were "liberated by the chief officer of the Warrimoo at 10.20 a.m. in a light westerly wind, but owing to the thick miet and hazy weather the birds had to contend with, only iwo birds reached home in race time. The race wae open for three days. The winner of the first and special prize wae Mr E. Bowe'e Blue Riband, which traversed the distance of 523 miles 1268 yards air Jine in 22 hours 44min 12sec, with a velocity of C 75 yards per minute. Mr F. Kingeford's Combine was eecond, with a velocity of 465 yarde p«r' minute, after deducting eight houra for darkness. The Society dfr; sires to thank Mr A. Gapes for his kindness in presenting the special prize for the race, also the chief officer for looking after the birds. ■> The Society also flew a race, from Woodville on the previous day. Forty-four birds were sent, divided among thirteen owners. The birds were liberated by the etationmastcr at 7.30 a.m. in a light eou'-west wind. The winner of the first end epecia) prize was Mr A. Finlayson'e Onward, which flew the distance .of 282 miles 1336 yards air line in 8 hours 47min 21 sec. The following is the order in which, they finished .—A. FinJayeon's Onward, 943 yds per i minute; J. Inkson'e Bed Star, 869yde per i minute; M. Gray's Dixie, 862 yds per i minute; J. Baxter's Ivy, 862 yds per minute;- F. Kingsford's Debue, 763 yds per minute; A. Hancock's Rambler, 751 yds per minute; E. Rowe'e TerroT, 708 yds per minute. The Society deeires to thank Mr H. Coweill, of Auckland, for his kindneas in presenting the special prize in connexion '• with the race. Sir E. Rowe will be the winner and hold for ono year the handsome I challenge East Cape Cup, kindly presented Iby Mr A. Smith, of ChriEtchurch.