PIGEON MATCH.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 13, 26 May 1880, Page 2

PIGEON MATCH.

Although there was only a few days' notice given of an intention to have a pigeon match on the Queen's Birthday, a large crowd assembled on the ground known as Mason's paddock, soon after 10 o'clock. In the afternoon some ladies went to see the shooting, but they were evidently much better pleased when the pigeons escaped than when they were brought to the ground by some of the crack shots. In any future matches, it might be iis well to fix the ground for the filing a little further hi from the road — not that there was any great danger on Monday, although one spectator complained of being grazed whilst going on to the ground. It would also be well that a small committee should take it in 'turns to fix a rope in such a way that the spectators — especially the juveniles — would not be able to get right hi front of the shooters. As birds were scarce, it was I decided that there should be a sweepstake of 10s. each, and that only twelve nominations could be received, £4. being given as first, and £2 as second prize. The shooting was not up to the mark, and one gentleman, who backed " birds versus guns," won his bet easily. Mr. Southey, of Mangawhero, took the first prize, anil his partner, Mr. Willy, tied Mr. Crowhurst for second place ; but in the shooting off, the Hawera man killed his bird, aud won. The following are the scores : — Ist 2nd 3rd Ttl. Adamson, W. ... 0 £ 0 £ Lloyd 0 0 McDonnell 0 0 Lee 0 0 Crowhurst £ 0 1 1£ Mason 0 0 Parrington 0 0 Willy, T 0 0 Southey 11 12 Riddiford 0 0 Willy, G £ 1 0 lj Bayly 0 0 About a dozen birds werj still left, after the conclusion of tli3 match, and it was quickly decided to have a second sweepstake match of ss. each, with half-a-dozen entries. In this contest, Mr. H. Owen not only killed his bird, but also shot one with the second barrel which had accidentally got away. The following is the order of the firing :—: — Owen, A 1 Owen, H 1 Dingle, R 1 McLean ..< ... ... £ McCutchan ... ... 1 Heaphy 0 As there were not any birds left to shoot off for the ties, the first and second prizes had to ,be divided between four out of the six. The filing in this contest was very good. In the evening, after the business of forming a gun club had been brought to a close, Mr. Southey proposed the health of Messrs. Cunningham and Douglas, and spoke highly of the manner in which they had conducted the day's sport. Mr. Cunningham said that Mr. Douglas was the originator of the movement, and deserved all the credit. Mr. Douglas suitably, returned thanks. The health of the champion of the day (Mr. Southey) was proposed by Mr. Parrington, and Mr. Southey suitably returned thanks, stating that if the gun club flourished like other amusements in the district, they need not be afraid of its being successful.