OUR BOYS IN FRANCE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 201, 23 September 1916, Page 4

OUR BOYS IN FRANCE.

NEW ZEALAND WOODCHOPPERS. ANOTHER CONTEST. (From Malcolm Ross, War Correspondent with the N.Z. Forces.) The interest in the work in the forest by members of the ‘Pioneer Battalion, mostly Maoris, continues, and there has been another contest that has attracted a good deal of attention locally. So far the Maori has been always the victor, but the other day some one unearthed a young pakeha from the New Zealand Cyclists, who, it was said, would give the Moori champion ‘ ‘ a good go. ’ ’ The competition took place in a forest of 50,000 acres, some 30,000 acres of which we are cutting out for purposes of war. The cutting is done scientifically, th e trees of the greatest value being left, and all trees being cut off level with the ground. The first event on this programme was the championship chop, in which Pte. Shewry, said to be the world’s champion, competed against Pte. Butleip Forest Control Champion, and three other Maoris. 'After a close and exciting contest, Pte. Shewry, the newcomer, was declared to be the winner, and Pte. Butler second. In the underhand chop L.-Cpl. Bannister was first, and Pte. j Butler second, Shewry being beaten by j both these Maoris. A crosscut sawing competition was won by Ptes. Butler and Tamaki, a thick log being sawn through in the incredible time of 20 seconds, to the great astonishment of the English onlookers. One of the Maoris gave an exhibition of the French style of tree felling, and another Maori showed how the top branches are first cut off a big tree before it is felled.

At the close of the competition Gen. Godley presented prizes to the successful competitors.