CARNIVAL OF THE BUSHMEN

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 213, 17 December 1910, Page 4

CARNIVAL OF THE BUSHMEN

The work of getting the immense amount of timber required for the chopping arid sawing events at the Eltham Carnival on 20th and 27th inst., is now almost completed. This year most of the wood, in the securing of which the Association never spares expense, ban been got from a piece of fine bush near Huiroa. The work has been in charge of the well-known, bushmen and athletes, Volzke Bros. Charlie Miley, the champion axeman of the Commonwealth, who is Teported to be in the pink of condition, joined Volzkes' camp on his arrival, and is putting in as much time as possible to accustom himself to the timber. Some idea of his ability may be judged from the fact that not long ago in Australia he had no difficulty in twice defeating Sam Johnson, last year's New Zealand champion, although giving him starts. In slashing through 12-in. timber, Miley's progress is said to be astounding. With the Pretty Bros., Hartnett, S. Johnson, McCauley, Weston, the Volzke's, the Newstroski'sland numerous other top-notchers, there should ensure some of the finest competition yet seen in these exciting events. A splendid addition to the already valuable stakes arrived in Wellington this week from America, in the shape of a magnificent 20 guinea silver cu» donated by the Colley Axe Co., U.S.*. The Association has decided to award the cup to the winner of the WorlA Champion Chop, and is to become <fc absolute property of the winning axeman. The cup is a fine sample of the silversmiths' art, and will without doubt be keenly coveted by the contestants in this big event. Not the least interesting for hundreds of patrons of the Carnival will be the cycling events, which have attracted large fields. The track in Eltham, always the best of an indifferent lot in Taranaki, has this year received special attention, and is now in the pink of condition. With fine weather (and it has never been otherwise for this gathering) some splendid times should be recorded in both axemen's and cycling events, and the public need have no hesitation in anticipating two days' amusement and entertainment greatly in advance of that provided generally at athletic gatherings. It is already known that side-shows will be present in almost endless variety, and without these noholiday fixture would now be com'plete.