ARCHERY CLUBS SHOULD RELAX BUT BE SERIOUS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 91, 4 September 1950, Page 4

ARCHERY CLUBS SHOULD RELAX BUT BE SERIOUS

(Contributed) At a recent meeting of the Whakatane Archery Club, one topic which came under discussion and was strongly debated, was the question of strict control of the shooting line or a relaxed attitvr :>. As examples the Otakiri and Whakatane Clubs were quoted as two extremes. Let us both clubs for a day's shoot. Otakiri hold their club days on a private farm, ideally sheltered by huge tree boundaries. Cars, bikes and what have you are lined up, plus tables and eats for the human line up. The whole family is there from Dad and Mum to Junior and baby in the pram. A feeling of friendliness and" good feeling predominates a picnic-like atmosphere. On the line, archers are blazing away, plonking them in the gold, or just missing a calf or pig in the background. Talking and Laughing

Talking and laughing is going as fast as the arrows and junior is not going fast enough in front of the targets. Archers relax for refreshments and so it goes on until time to go home to milk. Now 1 for a day with the Whakatane Club in/ the beautiful surroundings of the'sports grounds. Flags, behind the line and targets and at intervals down the side lines, warn the public to keep out of the danger zone. Here the feeling is different. The same good fellowship and friendship is present but the day's shooting is serious. Only shooters are allowed near the line and line of danger.

After each archer has released his six arrows, he steps three paces backwards and stands silent until the others have finished. Then the signal is given to proceed to targets and chatter and banter is passed back and forth.

Archery needs concentration and many find that conversation behind them, interferes and they cannot shoot: One cannot stress too strongly the danger of getting in front of the firing line or anywhere near the archers where a broken arrow for instance, could cause a nasty accident. (

It was unanimously agreed at the meeting that the Otakiri "line" was too "happy-go-lucky" and the field captain would be wise, for safety's sake, to enforce a few of the arch-' ery rules. But Whakatane were far too serious and could relax more. Will Shoot Together

On September 9, Otakiri will attend the Whakatane opening day and it is hoped the two clubs will enjoy many shots together in future and through the two extremes meeting often, that a happy medium of festivality, safety and the "good friend well met" feeling, prominent among Archery Clubs, will be attained. /