PIGEON FLYING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16486, 27 February 1914, Page 8

PIGEON FLYING.

Tho Canterbury Flying Club flew a ram from Hicks Bay, near the East Cape* 1 February 8, a distance of 520 miles airlin*, The birds. were forwarded to Auckland, and were then taken down the coast by till Westralia, which arrived at tho point- of liberation at 9.13 a.m.. The birds were set free by the chief officer' in fair, weather, with a south wind blowing. They had to contend with- a wind right through tho journey, but in -spite of that fact three members reported birds homo -within' ths race time limit. The winning bird; which is the property of Mr W. Blanchard, covered tho distance in 17hr dlmin Slsec,: and mado a velocity of SB3 yards per minute. Mr F. Wilson secured second prize, his bird doing the journey ia I7hr 24min lssoe,.and making «• velocity of 882 yards per mihttte. Mr It. Draper secured third prize,, in IShr 40min 29sec, with a velocity of 822 .yard# per minute. Mr W. Blanchard, in addition to the first prize, won a special prize donated by Mr D. Strang, of Invercargill, and also a special prize presented by Mr H<. Ayers, ot Christchurch. The latter prize was given to the competitor making .the best average in three long distance races. Tho club wishes to thank the , chief office* of tho Westralia for his oare and liborstim of the birds. 1 \