Preparing pigeons for race

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 23, 6 November 1984, Page 4

Preparing pigeons for race

Of the 408 racing pigeons which were released in Ohakune last Saturday week several were back 'home' in Christchurch in about 9 hours. The Christchurch Racing Pigeon Federation had sent 29 crates of these birds to local pigeon fancier and former member of the Christchurch Federation, Mr Barry De La Mare, C/ o New Zealand Railways, Ohakune Junction. There the crated birds had arrived in a sealed freightcar the night before, ready for their 560km flight home the next day. After an early morning 'breakfast' of water and grain they appeared raring to go as they were lifted out of the freight-car and placed on the ground prior to their almost simultaneous release. At 7.30 the seals were broken, the doors opened and away they went to circle in a large swirling, wheeling 'cloud' over the Junction as they got their bearings on a drizzly overcast morning.

Then they headed south. The first bird home reached its loft in Christchurch in 8 hours 59 minutes at an average spped of about 980 metres per minute (59 km/h) had it flown in a direct line. Barry De La Mare, who used to breed and race pigeons before he came to Ohakune six years ago, was an active member of the Christchurch Federation (C.F.C) for 16 years, a member of the East Christchurch Pigeon Club (E.Ch.P.C) for three years and a honorary member for six years. What better person in the Waimarino to feed and release Canterbury's racing pigeons for their return flight home. Barry is thinking that he might start breed ing racing pigeons again and form a local club. He would like to hear from others in the Waimarino who might be interested. He can be contacted through NZ Railways, Ohakune.