AXEMEN'S CARNIVAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 272, 23 December 1909, Page 4

AXEMEN'S CARNIVAL.

About twenty competitors have already arrived at Eltham in anticipation oMhc carnival which takes place oil llomhy and Tuesday next. A coulingenl from Clisbornc are expected 10 arrive to-niglit, the South Island men will probably iiQ up to-morrow night, whilst, (lie Main Trunk line and Waikato axemen, including the Pretty brothers, will be through on Christmas r.vc. Sam Johnson, the Oisbornc cra-lf (who chnpped second to Pretty in the championship last year) is reported to lie in splendid condition, and his supporters are anticipating a handsome win this time.

Red beech timber will be used in all contests this year for the first time. It is harder timber than the while pine, but is perfectly free from knot« ami resin, and nil the blocks from the sani" tree can be relied on as l>e r |iar of eve.-i quality. This should make the events more interesting and the best men will not be defeateil owing to defects in the blocks tilev draw.

The committee has decided to abolish the use of seconds, or, as they tuv known by the public, ''"chip-pullers," from the contests, Each man will V "on his own" this time. Skill will therefore have an opportunity of triumphing; over main strength. Sppc ; :il trains havo been arranged fO|- from all stations in Taranaki.