PIGEON-SHOOTING MATCH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 3, Issue 862, 2 September 1881, Page 2

PIGEON-SHOOTING MATCH.

The announcement that there would be a pigeon-shooting match attracted a number of spectators to the Opaki racecourse yesterday afternoon. The first »vent was a sweepstakes of 10s each at five birds, 25 Yards rise and 80 fall; kill with first barrel to count two points, with second one point. There wero ten entries, the first prize being £4, second £2, The birds trapped were of a very inferior quality, but the shooting was very indifferent, a large percentage oscapinj?, only, however, to fall victims to a small army of sharpshooters who were in writing out of bounds, It was calculated that for every pigeon trapped ten shots were fired, and three to one could have boen laid on, the bird with safety. Mr Beales took the first prize, grassing three birds; he shot well, but was unfortunate with his first bird, which was hit hard, but fell just out of bounds. He had a deal of trouble in securing his second bird—which was only winged—but after an exciting chase he was successful. Mr Hill took second money with two first barrels, his othem were all hit, but fell outside; he also did a big " stalk," in a style worthy ef a Red Indian on the warpath. Messrs Perry and Farmer both bagged two birds, but in each case the second one necessitated, the use of the second barrel, which put them one point behind. Mr Farmer was unlucky with his third bird, he downed him wifh the first barrel, but failed to bring it to bae, the feathered.biped eluding his grasp just'as he had his hand on it, and getting outside, but like Bopeep's shetp, f leaving hjs tail behind him." Mr Smith, the Native Game Distributor, supplied the birds and officiated as trapper, Mr Wagg acted as puller, arid Mr Fitton as referee, The following is the score in tho first match:—

Total. P. Cockery ... ... ~. 0000 0 R.Campbell ... ... ... 00020 2 W; Perry ;. ... 20100 3 G. Farmer ... 20010. 3 W, Hester .... ... ... 00200' 2 W. Bealea ... .„ ... 02022 6 T.H.Hill .... ... ... 20020 4 A.,Elkius 0000 0 G. Young.. 02000 3. Q. Osborne ... ... ... 0000 0, There being twelre 'birds''left, another' 10s sweep wai fired under the same conditions, at two birds each. I'irst pri?e £2 10?, second 10a. The first round all missed, but in the second Messrs Elkins, Campbell, and Young, each got in with the first barrel, No more pigeons being available the tie was shot off with t«ro

rabbit* each, it Deiiig quite a novelty to see these much abused quadrupeds in a pigeon trap, Mr Elkini was thfe.only oiil who succeeded in getting home, and took first money, the other two toning for locond, the result being in favor of tha "squalteK"

Mr Smith had about 200 live rabbits on '.the ground, and at the conclusion of the shooting there' was/some' very good sport ,' - coursing them .with the greyhounds. One / or two runs were very good;- but the/ generality of bunnies.wnuld not start to . travel until the dogs;were olose on them. On ancthar occasion it is to be hoped that people will leave'their dugs at home, or elsa hate them properly secured, a numi-.; . ber of jour's yesterday being a great -4' .'" nuisance to the ahootista, especially \ one gentleman who wears knickerbockers!? . to display his "shapely' lew, and who' executed several pas dt diahle during his excitement, in a style that: should recommend him to the'avorable notice-of the Dramatic Club for their next entertainment, • ; V;