IS THE SHOOTING GENUINE? A Private Test, and its Semi-Tragic Results.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 37, 16 February 1884, Page 5

IS THE SHOOTING GENUINE? A Private Test, and its Semi-Tragic Results.

As several pressmen and others had expressed strong doubts concerning the genuineness of Professor Payne's reputed fancy shots, the manager (Mr Rawlins) courteously arranged for a private exhibition on the stage of the Opera House at noon to-day. At the time stated several members of the Stab's Literary StaiF, Mr. W. S. Pulford (manager of the Intercolonial News Agency), Mr H. N. Abbott, Mr W. Robinson, and several other gentlemen met the Professor and his brother upon the stage, and preparations were immediately made for the test. In order to show that he was not dependent upon any trickery or mechanical apparatus for the success of iiis shooting, the marksman first of all unscrewed and took to pieces his target which consists of a square piece of ■wood covered with some chalked cloth and backed by a thick plate of iron. The wood was perforated by a number of bullet holes, and between it and the iron at the back the fiattended remains of numerous bullets were disclosed to view. These were thrown out, and the target screwed up again. Then the gun was disconnected from the breech, and, on being re-adjusted, was loaded with a marked bullet, while the company being unanimous in declining the distinction ot essaying the role of Albert Tell, a carefully scrutinised apple was placed upon the head of Mr Payne, jun. The Professor took steady but not protracted aim, and then fired, cutting the apple right through the centre. There was not the slightest room for entertaining doubt as to the bond fides of the test and its result, and consequently everyone present readily expressed his entire satisfaction. Still, in order to make assurance doubly sure, the Professor volunteered further proof of his skill. A \ cry old coin produced by one of the converted sceptic- was stuck on edge upon a piece of soap placed upon a stick and held by Mr \A . Robinson, and with the utmost confidence the marksman fired and hit it. Then an apple was fixed upon a nail, and lying down upon his back the Professor fired over his shoulder and struck it. A man named George Havord, who is employed about the Opera House, next offered to allow the apple to lie shot upon his head, and being taken at the word, an apple was j)laced in position and cleanly hit without injuring a hair of his head. At this conjuncture Mr Barry O'Neil, who happened to be present, remarked jocosely to Mr Pulford that he was not game enough to undergo the test, and the latter gentleman, remembering that it was not the first time he had been under fire, at once accepted the challenge. The apple was consequently placed upon his head and with the utmost coolness ho stood firmly up to await the shot, but just as the Professor was taking aim he involuntarily stiffened his figure a little, the result being that the bullet while striking the apple also grazed his scalp. The wound, however, was not serious, and Dr. Tennent at once bound it up. It could not in any way be chargeable to the shootist, for it was obvious to all that the bracing of the frame at the critical moment was the sole cause of the accident. There was no wincing, however, foi Mr Pulford exhibited remarkable composure and steadiness throughout a trial which would tend to unsettle the nerves of most men. We need only add that the Professor's boasted skill with the rifle is as genuine as it is surprising. Let those who doubt satisfy their minds with the evidence of ocular demonstration.