PIGEON SHOOTING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 14167, 15 September 1906, Page 11

PIGEON SHOOTING.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.—l did not intend to intrude on your generosity again, but I must bake exception to some of the remarks made by “ Justice ” He allows little for the discriminating powers of the public, and would shroud the pigeon match in a hypocritical disguise. This abomination does not owe its creation to the scarcity of game, eto. It is the outcome of adoration for that Christian idol, gold (note —Grand National Match, first prize, £100). As regards my remarks regarding good muscles, let “ Justice” wipe the feathers and burnt powder from his vision, and look again. My meaning was clear enough, why metamorphose it ? This ghoulish pastime would dignify itself by the name of sport: yet, true sport is a muscle;developer, and such is essential to. it. I feel flattered, indeed, by his reference to my ink-slinging abilities ; but, as it seems to convey a covert sneer, I might inform him that my abilities are not with that mighty weapon the pen, but with the plough, and as I spread the soil instead of the'ink, the monotony is relieved by the,sight of many of God’s creatures, among them the pigeons. Do they not serve a more worthy object, in, aiding the farmer to produce the golden grain than in lining the pockets of “Justice” and his mutilating brotherhood with filthy lucre.—l am, etc., NOAH.