LETTER BOX

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28896, 16 May 1959, Page 5

LETTER BOX

Memory Test “There was at least one big wood-chopping contest held in France about 1917. Details would be in the ‘N.Z.E.F. Chronicles.’ It could not have been near Le Quesnoy, as Jerry held that almost to the Armistice. I think it was in a French forestry area further south and the New Zealand Forestry Corps beat all comers, in spite of the handicap of having to trim the stumps conically— French style. I am not sure if the Maori Labour Batallion supplied the forestry corps or not, but they were good axemen. I am quite sure they celebrated in good style.”—B/3917. “A number of the Pioneer Battalion were attached to a forestry unit in France in 1916. I think your correspondent is thinking of the inter-Allied championships held after the armistice. The winner of the chopping contest was Butler Koeiti, an axeman in world class. The difference in axes used created a fair amount of interest,

much money being wagered on the result. Canadians, Americans and Frenchmen used the doublebitted axes.”—9/200. . Merivale Club “As a follower of the Merivale Club for over 60 years, may I be permitted to congratulate it on being selected- to play on the Oval in the main match on Saturday. In years gone by this club was one of our top contenders, but with the advent of old boys’ clubs, it as an open club had to be content with what was left after the “old school tie” brigade had had their pick. During the last few years this club has been very hard hit and it is a very great credit to it that it never got its tail down, but stood up to all adversity and fought back. Now it is on the way up and all true sports will wish it well. It is pleasing to see old faces still loyal to the club. Particularly I would mention Norm Carnegie the “tiger” (as the reporter of that day had it) of the 1921 Canterbury v. Springbok match. May the blue and white jerseys go up and up.” I—F.L.