PIGEON FLYING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11595, 13 January 1916, Page 6

PIGEON FLYING.

RACE }>EOM: AUCKLAND. T!ie CbrisieJiureb Ifomine; Pitreon Society flew'off a most successtul race from Auckland on January 1. Nineteen birds were Kent, divided amongst nine owners competing. The .birds were in the cfcre of Air* if. Cowitil!, who wired liberated twelve o'clock noon, in excellent weather, with a light north-east wind, which changed to a nor'wester as they reached the Strait. The race wi; open foe three cle;ir days, with eight lion's per nii?lit. being_ deducted for darkness. Owing to the late liberation none reached ho:no on the day of toss, but midday on the following day five birds reached home, and one. more on the third day. which makes it the best performance of birds that, have ever raced from Auckland to Chiistcliurc'i. The winner of fir-t prize and silver cup w<u _yh* A. Finhvyson, who landed two Kirds together, Bonnie Boon nr.d Bonnie Heather, which flew the distance of -toO mile? .".SGyds airdim: in 15hr ttiinin 37sec, with a. velocity of Sf),'J\\l ft per minute. Air W. Doherty's Blue Speck second, velocity oTfyds; R. Ponnsford's .My Pied third, velocity t>6lvds: T. Newton's Rits-sob Wonder l'mirth, SOttyds ])er minute; T. Newion"? Mealy Boy fifth, velocity 393 yds per minute. The society desire? to thank Mr C'owsill for kindlv ,ittt:ridin« to and liberatine; the bird", a.!.-o 'to thank Mr .1. B. Finnfcg'ait for kindly pv.-sentin.tr the Auckland Cup.