INDIAN "BIGGAME " SHOOTING

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 16043, 27 October 1917, Page 8

INDIAN "BIGGAME " SHOOTING

MAJOR SLEEMAN'S EXPERIENCES.

The Editor has much pleasure in announcing that arrangomonts have been, completed for a series of articles from the pen of Major J. L. Sleeman, 1.Q.5., dealing with certain of his experiences in Indian "big-game"' shooting. As Bowl and Ward's "Records of Big Game" and other authorities testify, this officer has been privileged to see more of this form of sport than falls to tho lot of many men, and has no fetter than three "records" standing to his credit. In addition to his own service in India, he followed in the footsteps of his illustrious grandfather (General Sir W. H. Sleeman, K.C.8., of "Thuggee" fame) and of his father, both of whom spent many years in the army in India, the three generations having a total Indian service of sixty years. Major Sleeman has been prevailed upon to write these "Shikar" reminiscences on the condition that the whole of the proceeds go to help the funds of the Red Cross Society. Although he would much prefer to write under a nom-de-plume, ho has, at the special request of the Editor, consented to disclose his identity. With such personal anecdotes, the value of the name being given will be apparent to all. We publish the text of his acceptance of our offer below: —

Headquarters, Wellington, September 21st, 1917. Dear Sir,—l hare given your letter most careful thought, and have decided that, as the whole amount will go to the funds of the Red Cross* I should not be justified in refusing the request. Like the majority of those who have been spired to return front the front. I feel that we owe a debt to this and similar organisations that can never be repaid. Personally* I would prefer to remain anonymous, but your reasons for disclosing toy identity are so sound that I will waive this point. For ono thing, my experiences ftto merely those of the average "Shikari" of Indian "biggame," and for another, the fact that, although my "Sliikd.r" dates back sbiflft fourteen yehrs, I have never written such experiences, will show that my reason for making them public is not Connected with self-ad-vertisement. What little success I met with in the Indian jungles was brought about l>y my family's loflg connexion with India, and an enthusiasm which -was only quenched* and nearly extinguished; by terrible juiigle fevSi's. Although I can promise little that is thrilling 0* adventurous* I hope to be able to describe to your readers 6Ur methods of "ShLkitf," the manners of the carnivera of the Indian jungle, and the nbiindancy 6f game in that littlo-ktioWn portion «f our groat Umpire. If Other motive exists, apart ffoirt that of assisting the Red Crofis Funds, it Is the hope that toy experiences Will Interest yoiir readers and attract ifi&ny to the sfibot-ing-grotrads of India. By So doing I shall rep&y in some small measure the kindness aiid hospitality I have received in the Dominion since my arrival from France. J. L. SLEEMAN. The Editor, 'TThe Press," Christchurch. The first of the series of sketches will be given in. the Literary .Corner of "The PreteS" next Saturday.