MASTERTON HOMING PIGEON CLUB.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3200, 28 May 1909, Page 5

MASTERTON HOMING PIGEON CLUB.

At the Dominion Hall last evening l , the Masterton Homing Pigeon Club held a smoke concert aa a "wind up" of the 1908-09 season, at which the principal trophies &nd certificates won during the season were presented. The President, Mr James Payton, occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance. A member of the Wellington Homing Pigeon Club, Mr W. J. Richards, who was present, congratulated the Masterton Club on the success, of the past season, and was greatly impressed with the strides that homing pigeon racing has made in Masterton. The following toasts were honoured during the evening:—"The King"; "The | Masterton Homing Pigeon Club." proposed by Mr W. J. Richards and responded to by the President; " The Homing Clubs of New Zealand," Mr J. Bradbury—Mr W. J. Richards; 'The Press," Mr W. Dowling—Mr R. Scrivener; "Donors of Trophies," Mr H. W. Lett—Messrs J. Dixon, J. Payton, and F. B. Rosson; "The Ladies," Mr H. F. Billington—Mr J. Payton; "The Vocalists," Mr J. Bradbury—Messrs N. H. McEwen and W. J. Richards. During the evening songa were contributed bv Messrs H. Gorringe, W. i J. Richards, James Payton, N. H. ' McEwen, W. Gilbert, F. B. Rosson (recitation). Master George Holloway made an efficient pianist. Mr Joseph Dixon promised a trophy for the highest aggregate for next season, Mr J. Bradbury a trophy for second highest, and Mr James Payton a trophy for the third highest. A trophy for the most points iu nexi season's young bird races was also)promised by Mr W. Lett. The following trophies were presented during the evening:—Championship young bird race, Mr H. F. Billington (silver kettle); Highest aggregate, Mr J. Bradbury (President's gold medal); Ormondville race, Mr W. Dowling (Mr Walsh's gold medal); Napier race, Mr H. F. Billington (Mr Rosson's trophy): . The owners of . the first and second birds in the Bracelet Race received the trophies ' on behalf of the winning ladies.