CHOPPING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 305, 21 December 1908, Page 3

CHOPPING.

CHAItLK-S JIILEY, CHAMPION OF AUSTKALIA. On J linisdiiy evening of last week au athletic-looking, unassuming young Australian stepiiud oil' the mail train at Eltliiun and enquired for the secretaiy of the Axemen's Association. On arrival at the secretary's olfice the stranger introduced himself as Charles Miley, of Harrietville, Victoria, an intending competitor for the honor of the title of champion axeman of the world, one of tile principal events to be decided at the N e\v Zealand Championship Carnival to be held at Eltham on Boxing Day. Miley, who is a native of Victoria, is a line specimen of manhood, standing (ift lin in his stocking feet, and weighing 14st 71b when in form. . He is '27 years of age, so that he cannot be looked upon as either a "coming champion" or a "back number." That he is in winning form again this season his performances of the last month will show, when he secured two handicap events in Victoria and New South Wales, conceding ijOsec handicap hi 18in logs. Besides holding the title of champion axeman of Australia in 2ft standing blocks, Miley is joint holder of the worlds' record (with E. R. Terry) in 12in standing blocks, both these athletes having succeeded ill severing their blocks in the quick time of 2Gsec. It is seven years since Miley first entered the axemen's arena in liis native (town. The first six events in which he competed he placed to his cr-edit. In 1997 he scored a memorable, victory by winning the Mellmurne Carnival Handicap (£SO first prize), 18in standing blocks. In this event the limit was 50sec, and as the field was a large one, composed of the finest axemen in the Commonwealth, ■ the champion's prospect of success did not appear too rosy, yet to the surprise and delight of the huge audience assembled, lie notched' tile coveted prize in good style. During the present year he has won five events, as already stated, two of these being within the last month.