BIG GAME EXPLOITS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1933, Page 2

BIG GAME EXPLOITS

HUNTER’S AMAZING RECORD

OVER 3000 WILD ANIMALS

Buried in the heart of Kent is the most amazing record in existence of human courage and fearlessness. It is ia record of more than 3000 wild animals all sholUiy.. nne.<maxLift..A3 years o? big game hunting all over the ivorld,

. This remarkable collection has been seen fed by Major P. H. G. j’owellCotton, the world’s champion biggame hunter, who liver at Quex Park, near Birchington, Kent, and a few ago, set out by air for the Sudan on hjs fourteenth. African hunting expedition.

Though he is now 63 this modern trader horn is still keen of eye and uf unimpaired nerve and stamina. From the curator in chirge of this unique big-game museum, Mr G. F Pinfold, the writer has had th • st<u; of Major Powell-Cottmi’s thrilling jungle exploits. His colLcok.ii, Mr Pinfold said, had cost him a substantial fortune—it is insured for something like £60,000 —and has !<d into all manner of exciting adventures.

“The major’s thirteenth lion,” said Mr Pinfold, “nearly cost him his life. Native servants were heating the bush to get the animal into the open when it suddenly bnnre cover and charged. The native who was nearest turned to flv, and the major fired both barrels and mechanically put out nis hand to gflasj>' ; .his spare rifle. But the gun-bearer had fled also.

‘ “Hurling his empty weapon at the lion’s head, he turned to run, but the next second the lion was on his back and hurled him on the grvind. As it was endeavouring to drag up his head a porter ran up and courageously began to hit the enraged auur.al wi'h in heavy stick to try and nrike it loose its hold.

“In the nick of time Major PowellCotton’s head-man ran up, ton, a;:d began to slash the lion acns.s the eyi-s with a hippo hide whip. The two natives succeeded in distracting the animal’s attention just long enough for a native hunter to shoot it dead at close range. Afterwards' it was discovered that the major hac\ 17 claw wounds.”

To Major Powell-Cotton’s rifle also fell the tallest elephant ever brought out of Africa.

Major Powell-Cottcn was married 25 years ago. He spent his honeymoon on m big-game hunting expedition.