ALLEGED CRUELTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1916, Page 6

ALLEGED CRUELTY.

1 To the Editor, gir,—in reply to the criticism of the Rev Algernon 11. Colvile and the insinuating one of Mr. B. 0. Hughes re the i proposed shooting match at Stratfoid, 1 cannot, whilst disagreeing with t'liose ci itieisms, congratulate the former gentleman on his choice of epithets, which savor more of the gutter than the pulpit, or the latter gentleilian on .his 'base and unwarranted insinuation that some •of the proceeds of tho'Str&tford Gun Club are to be diverted from their proper channel and used for other purposes. If both these gentlemen wish to enter their protests per medium of the public press by all means they citn do so, but let it ha mi the aues* s on at issue without vul-

gar or unwarranted aspersions as to patriotism and integrity cast against those who agree to differ with the action of extremists on this occasion. Regarding the question of alleged cruelty opinions have been divided on this very debateable matter; so niucli so that no country lias seen lit to legislate against this branch of sport, as not being humane, any more than iiejd shooting, salmon, or trout, or sea fislliing and .many other branches,of recognised sport, which involves a certain amount of risk as far as cruelty is concerned', but which is always prevented and minimised as far u-s possible. To say that the competitors at this match are out for deliberate and 1 wanton cruelty is about equal to saying that a fast erratic bowler at cricket is more concerned about maiming the batsman than taking lite wicket, or to say that those of the forensic fraternity are more concerned over their client's welfare than the legal fees. I would further like to take this opportunity of challenging the statement of the Rev. A. 11. Colvile regarding tihe premier gun club of England (Ilurlinglram club) prohibiting pigeoin shooting. The facts regarding this club are that the Hurlingham grounds were converted into polo grounds, and the, gun club shifted to Notting Hill, then subsequently to Ealing, where it remains in a flourishing condition. As to the action' of royalty in regard to this sport, one • has only to quote the late King Edward as having been one of the most ardent, trap shots in. England. As one of the competitors I would welcome the presence -of both the Rev. A. li. Colvile and Mr. R. C. Hughes to sec if tlliey have any justifiable grounds for complaint as far as my shooting is concerned, and as for the latter gentleman's statement regarding shooting in the trenches, that applies equally as much to him as it does to mc,i but in my case it is mot veneered with tint public newspaper letter-writing ad-1 vertising patriotism.—l am, etc., J. WILDMAN. New Plymouth, August 20.