IMPORTANT TO SPORTSMEN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2480, 2 March 1881, Page 2

IMPORTANT TO SPORTSMEN.

The sportsmen of South Canterbury will be pleased to learn that their interests are being well looked after by that experience:! and indefatigable purveyor of sporting material, Mr T. G. Rowley, of Main North Road, Timam. Mr Rowley’s long established connection as a gunsmith with the principal manufacturing firms in Great Britain enables him from time to time to introduce the newest and best improvements in the way of fowling pieces. A large consignment of double and single barrelled guns, specially made to order, is now on view, and they deserve the attention of sporting experts. They arc models of beautiful workmanship, and they embody the latest ideas with reference to breech-loaders. One of the greatest novelties is a forty guinea hammerlcss gun. Apart from the splendid way in which it is finished, this fowling piece seems to realise everything that could be desired as regards safety and convenience. It is provided with a patent safety bolt which has to be moved before the gun can be fired. The act of opening the breech, and re loading throws the bolt back so that the gun is constantly at half cock until the spring is pressed by the sportsman. This is a precaution against accidents that cannot be undervalued. With the exception of the bolt and trigger the whole of the works are concealed. This gun is undoubtedly one of the most elegant pieces yet turned out of Scott’s celebrated factory. Another valuable novelty imported by Mr Eowley is Erskine’s patent powder dryer— a hollow copper basin in which gunpowder can be subjected with safety to the heat of boiling water, and every particle of moisture extracted. Sportsmen are well aware of the way in which gunpowder, despite every precaution, is affected by the moisture of the; atmosphere, and they are equally conversant with the annoyance that damp powder and inferior cartridges give rise to. Every cartridge sold by Mr Eowley is prepared on the premises, and with the aid of this new apparatus he will he able to supply his patrons with an article on which they can place the utmost reliance. The flats and plains, and lagoons and rivers of South Canterbury are renowned for the excellent sport they afford, and it must be satisfactory to the lovers of field sports to know that their' efforts are seconded by a tradesman who takes a pride in studying their wants and earning their approbation.