THE AXEMAN'S CARNIVAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 147, 18 December 1911, Page 4

THE AXEMAN'S CARNIVAL.

From Far North to extreme South, wherever the craft of the bushman is followed l , the leading exponents of the act of saw and axemanship are now concentrating their forces in Eltham, wlwtu next week the annual carnival of the New Zealand Axemen's Association will again provide profitable relaxation for dozens of bushmen, and amusement for thousands of holiday-makers. This gathering is now the recognised Mecca for competing bushmen throughout Australasia, and no aspirant to fame as an axeman can claim enminence unless he ha& received the imprimatur of the Eltham carnival. This year additional interest is lent to the gathering by the fact that at last Charlie O'Rourkc, the undoubted champion of the South Island, has been prevailed upon to try conclu* sioiis with Dave Pretty and other topnotchers of this island and Australia. All the promising young competitors of last carnival are again entered, and at least two or three of them are being tipped; as likely to upset the calculations of the old hands. Splendid entries, ineluding many back-markers from southern towns, have been received for the cycling events. Special attention is this year being, directed to still further improving the facilities at the luncheon booth, where, by the way, probably a larger number of dinners is handled in two days than at any other function in Taranaki. The grounds' have again received a thorough dressing, and will ¥e in apple pie order. The usual special train facilities have been provided, and everything in fact that should tend to the complete success of the carnival. Tuesday and Wednesday ©f next week will no doubt again find Taranaki concentrated almost en masse on the ferro concrete town.