PIGEON FLYING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 17038, 13 December 1915, Page 9

PIGEON FLYING.

CHRISTCHURCH HOMING SOCIETY. Tho Christchurch Homing Pigeon Society flew off a race from Napier on November 27. Forty-eight birds were sent, representing fourteen owners competing. The birds were liberated at 5 a.m. in fine wenther, with a alight head wind, which changed to a strong nor'-west wind. Tho winner of first and special prize was A. Finlayson's Pathfinder, which flew the distance of 361 miles 133(5 yards air lino in 9hrs 52min 54se<;. Tho following is the velocity recorded by each owner's bird: —A. Finlayson's Pathfinder, 1073yds per minute; F. Smith's Tartan 11., 1070yds '2ft 4in; J. Barter's Sunny Boy, lOTOrita Ift Sin; R. Pounsford's Sir Kinglike, 1069yds; F. Kingsford's San Toi. 1069yds; J. Inkson's Red Rcso, 1067yds; E. Miles's Princo V'ctor, 1065yds; E. Rowo's Wheatstone., 1063vds; T. Newton's ' Linwood, 892yds; "W.' Dochorty's Wrestler, 875yds; G. Fuoh's Good Hope, 735yds; A. Farrc'J's Old Judste, 503yds; A. Hancock's Royal Blue, 50Jycls. The society also flew off another race from Napier on December 4. Thirty-five birds were sent, divided amongst thirteen owners. The birds were liberated at 5 a.m. in fine weather and no wind, but later 'on a very strong nor'-west wind sprang up, which made it very hard for the birds to cross the straits. The first two owners got a- clear lead of twentyfour minutes on tho next owner. The winner of first and [special prize was R. Pounsford's Bob Mattock, which flew the distance of 361 miles 370 yards air line in lOhrs 23min 12seo. The "following is the velocity cf each owner's bird:—R. Pounsford's Bob Mattock, 1011yds per minute; R. Draper's Abel. 1007yds; E. Fuch's Jaok of Clubs, 974vd«; A. Finlayson's Stardancer, 973yds; F.'Kingsford's Rea/Hall, 966yds;.E. Rowe's Wait and See, 77-2j-ds; F. Smith's Miss Rita, 623yds; M. Docherty's Darwin, 560yds; A. Farrell's Old Judge, 503yds. The society wishes to thank Mr W. Johnson, also Mr E. Rowe, for presenting the special prizes, and Mr P. Oemcke foT atending to the birds and liberating them on the two occasions.