RELAXATION AT THE FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1916, Page 7

RELAXATION AT THE FRONT.

A CHOPPING COMPETITION. A TARANAKI MAN SCORES. (From Malcolm Ross, War Correspondent with N.Z. Forces). The interest in the work in the forest by members of the Pioneer Battalion, mostly Maoris, continues, and there has been another contest that has attracted a good deal of attention locally. So far the -Maori has always been- the victor, but the other day someone unearthed a young '•pakclui" from the New Zealand Cyclists, who, it '.vas said, would give' the' Maori champion "a good go." The competition Hook place in a forest of 50,00!) acres, some 30,000 acres of which we are cutting out for purposes of war. The cutting is done scientifically, the trees of the greatest value being left, and all trees are cut oil' level with the ground. The first event on this programme was the championship chop, in which Private Shcwry. who hails from Tahora, Turnunki, and'is said to be the world's champion, competed against Private Butler, Forest Control champion, and three other Maoris. After n close and exciting contest. Private Shewry, the newcomer, was declared to bo the winner, with Private Tamaki second. In the underhand chopping competition, Lnnce-Corporal Bannistci was first, and •Private Butler second, Shewry being beaten by both these Maoris. A cross-cut sawing competition was won by Privates Butler and Tamaki, a thick 'log being sawn through in the almost incredible time of twenty seconds, to the great astonishment of the English onlooker?. ' One of the Maoris gave an exhibition of the French style of tree-felling, ami another Maori showed how the topmost branches are first cut off a big* tree before it is felled.

At the close ol the competition General C.odley presented prizes to the successful competitors.