R. L. RUTHERFORD, Publisher. Box 25, West Maitland, N.S.W.

MARCH, 1941 PRICE 6d.

A QUESTION of major importance to all archers in Australia and New Zealand is brought up in this issue by Mr. Dudley Preston, president of the Archery Society of Western Australia, who strongly advocates the formation of an Australasian Archery Association (see page 6). There is no reason why such a body should not be formed immediately, even though it will not yet be possible for delegates to meet and discuss routine problems nor to organise a National Tournament on similar lines to that of U.S.A., until our clubs have considerably enlarged their scope, and the game is on a much more stable footing here.

All that is required is the consent of each club to affiliate with the association, and the fixing of some small membership fee. The Editor is quite prepared to handle all the work of organisation, if nobody else is keen on the job. I would be glad if club presidents and secretaries will get moving and make our association a reality in the near future. It may, or may not, be feasible to hold championship events sectionally in each State; but apart from that, a united organisation is badly needed.

With this object in view, I have obtained a revised design of the Austral League enamel badge, in which the letters "A.A.A." are very neatly incorporated in place of the former inscription. All subscribers to the badge automatically link themselves with the association, and I am hoping to receive all the lagging dues so that the badges may be ordered immediately.

There has been practically no response to the new Postal Shoot, for which a very fine "Sherwood" bow is offered. It's up to you not to let 'this chance slip! Attention is particularly drawn to the appeal on page 4. Owing to unforeseen difficulties I have had to hold over our "Camerarchery" article this issue; but it is worth waiting for.

Several Clubs have been doing good work in patriotic displays and benefits. This is something we all can do to help win the war. Why not stage exhibitions, archery golf contests, and offer Savings Certificates as trophies? I have never seen an archer who wasn't a regular fellow. We can't fall down on this!

THE EDITOR

4 THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER

Since the war began, I am certain that in every true archer's mind has been the question: "How can archery help?" and here, I think, is the answer. We are as loyal as anyone, and as eager to demonstrate our willingness to contribute to the common cause. It only needs some tangible plan. Such a plan is outlined below.

The following letter, from Captain C. R. Duncan. M.C., president of the South Australian Archery Club and an archer of wide experience in England and America, is self-explanatory:

118 Strangways Terrace,
North Adelaide.

Dear Sir,

I have just had a communication from England from a well- known archer-Mrs. McQuoid- who is organising a collection from Archers to provide a Spitfire to be named "The Arrow," and the suggestion has been made that Archers in Australia might care to contribute towards it.

As a member of Archery Clubs in England, America and Australia, I have offered to do what I can and shall be glad to receive any contributions and send acknowledgments, and also supply a list to England of those contributing.

So far, between £600 and £700 has been collected and any individual Archers or Clubs who feel that they would like to share in this practical effort to help win the war should write as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,
C. R. DUNCAN.

Captain Duncan, who has recently visited Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, states in a covering letter to, the editor that Mrs McQuoid is an able and representative English archer, and he feels confident that all Australian and Now Zealand archers will wish to associate themselves with this appeal, even if only in a modest way.

Mrs McQuoid, who is in charge of the fund in England, states that failing the attainment of the major object of a Spitfire plane to be named "The Archer," a lesser plane or some other suitable gift will be made on behalf of the archery fraternity.

We understand that liberal support would have been accorded this appeal by thousands of American archers but for the fact that currency regulations prohibit the transfer of such funds.

I feel confident that all readers will be glad to associate themselves with this very excellent scheme, and suggest that by holding exhibitions, competitions and such events, quite a respectable sum should be raised by our numerous clubs.

The matter-, of course, is more or less one of urgency, and it is highly desirable that all contributors act without delay. Gifts should be forwarded direct to Captain Duncan at the address indicated on his letter, or any sent to the "Archer" will be acknowledged and sent on to him immediately.

I understand that the Adelaide Club has already commenced activities to raise its quota for the fund. Even a modest effort on the part of the 300 or more archers in this part of the world would produce a creditable sum. Let us see what we can do,

THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER 5

Our good friend and frequent contributor, Mr. George Scott, has written the following interesting eulogy of his yew bow, which he believes is largely responsible for his 602 American, still the best scored in Australia. We understand that this magnificent weapon cost him more than £13 landed in Sydney, so those who have this tidy sum lying idle might well consider such an investment when import restrictions are lifted. The Editor would gratefully accept any such token of esteem . . . !?

Once you have owned and shot a yew for any length of time you begin to appreciate its endearing qualities and not to worry about the idiosyncrasies of its losing weight in hot weather and vice versa. Of course, it is a bit disappointing at times to have to shift the point-of-aim a fraction either way, but very soon a sixth sense develops and you are then master of your bow.

I have had my yew bow for a year and four months now, and it has been shot approximately 12.000 times. I don't know whether this is any criterion to its value as a bow, but there is still the fact of its hardly perceptible set, which amounts to 3/4.inch in each limb.

The bow was ordered way back in July, 1939, together- with several other items of archery equipment by members of the N.S.W.A.S.

Perce Stokan had left a little while after this to bring the Perth from England to Sydney via San Francisco, etc. He was going to call on Potter and Macquarie, of Oakland, California and pick out suitable equipment for us. and arrange for the discount to be put into more archery tackle. The Perth was- only a few days out of San Francisco when war was declared, and that put an end to our scheme, as the Perth was recalled immediately.

After much delay in letter writing and arrangements we decided to get the gear out after all, and take the risk on the increased duty rates--for who could tell when the war would end? At last they, arrived. and only a week before the N.S.W.A.S. Annual Tournament was due to commence. So we hurried the things through the -Customs and were horrified to find that the total amount of duty to be paid on the gear was about 98 per cent. This made a 30 dollar how in America, equivalent to about £5 before the war, rise to the staggering price of £13/10/-. We could do nothing but accept it as one of the misfortune of war. We have since got back some of the duty on the raw wood. And arrow staves, but unfortunately none off the made-up bows.

As they cannot be insured at Lloyds then we just had to nurse them all we knew how.

The bow is exactly 6 feet from tip to tip which makes for tolerant shooting without that rather jerky. Snappy cast of the much shorter bows.

The design is the modified flat, tapering in a little towards the handle and then a gradual tapering off to the tips where the thickness is about the thickness of a finger tip. At the widest part, just above the handle, the bow is about I 3/8 inch wide, and the thickness, while is fairly uniform, is about halt that. The handle is rather narrow of the tournament variety being only 4 inches long, and is a beautiful handle bounded cordovan leather and fitting the hand perfectly, with the right degree of tackiness to prevent slipping of the bow when shooting.

The double fishtail splice which the handle hides cannot be discerned and shows no signs of strain. The handle is just under an inch wide and about 1¾ inches deep.

The bow is equipped with horn nocks, not large enough to be obnoxious, but beautifully made with large grooves going all the way around for a perfect bow-string fit.

The actual wood itself has no flaws at all, but has plenty of curves and bumps, which I believe makes the wood all the stronger, and this has been conclusively proved. This wood is high elevation Yew, grown on the estates of Earl Ulrich, the Yew King of Oregon. It is seasoned to perfection and is very fine grain, running about 20 layers to the inch. The line of demarcation between the heartwood and the sapwood is very clear, and a vivid contrast is made with the light cream sapwood and browny-red heartwood. The back of the bow follows the one layer of grain all the way along to a depth of about 1/4inch off the heartwood.

After shooting four American rounds, or the equivalent, on a Sunday, the bow would have a noticeable set and what bow wouldn't? But this disappears with the micrometric straightening out of the wood cells towards the end of the week. and after a month it would only be a 1/4inch off the original contour.

They say that yew and osage are the two most perfectly elastic woods and I suppose that bamboo would come in this class also.

']'he bow- is finished with french polish and has a protective coat of a

(Continued an Page 7)

6 THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER

Why Not?---
An Archery Association

Mr. Dudley Preston, President of the Archery Society of Western Australia, and one of the keenest followers of the game in this part of the world, writes:-

Dear Sir.-As Australia is a very large country and archery at present is in its infancy, and there has, to my knowledge, been no move afoot to affiliate clubs or form an association. I have a suggestion to make which might appeal to individuals and clubs throughout Australia. First, I might mention that until clubs are affiliated. no one club in any State can ever claim to hold a State championship, certainly not an Australian championship, at least that is to my way of thinking. I may be wrong, but it stands to reason that a championship cannot be claimed until every archer is given a chance to compete.

In the meantime, I suggest that an Australian championship competition be held through the medium of the "Australasian Archer," and that the competition take the form of, say, a double American round for men and a Columbia and National for the ladies. The day for such to he decided by the Editor, and advertised conspicuously in the "Archer" a couple of months ahead. Rules and regulations of a championship should be strictly adhered to, and the score of each archer should be witnessed by at least two others competing in the same event.

A small entrance fee should hp, charged, say, 2/ each, so as to enable cups or prizes to be presented to the winner and runner-up for both events. Further details I would prefer to leave to the capable hands of Mr. R. L. Rutherford, who has my greatest respect and admiration for giving us our own Australian Archery magazine. The least every Archer in Australia and New Zealand can do, is to support the "Archer."-Your!- faithfully,

D. P. PRESTON. President,
The W.A. Archery Society.

Thank you, Mr. Preston, for bringing into the public eye a question that has too long been allowed to lapse. I am sure that readers will instantly agree to the suggestion that our own "A.A.A." be formed, and with this object in view I have changed the inscription on the "Austral League" badges to suit.

I will immediately communicate with all Club presidents and secretaries enlisting their collaboration, and we can hope for the early realisation of our plans. The editor of the "Archer" is quite prepared to conduct the necessary organisation, unless anyone else desires this invidious task. It is not contemplated to charge any considerable affiliation fee or club dues, since interstate meetings, etc., can scarcely be arranged for some time to come.

Apart altogether from the Postal Championship idea (which I personally consider a trifle premature). I think that the formation of our A.A.A. will be the biggest forward step taken in archery in the Commonwealth and New Zealand. Don't you?

The "Archer" wants, above all else, to further the cause of Australasian archery, and we will do everything in our power to extend the scope of this great sport.

What you have to do to help is simply this: Collectively as clubs, and individually as bowmen, immediately write and signify your approval of the "A.A.A." A constitution will be drawn up, badges posted to all members (at 2/ per person), and ways and means will very soon be devised of making real progress as a united body.

I have never met a lazier band of dawdlers than you fellows; but please let us have no time wasted in this vital matter. Only bear in mind that there are chaps sitting up late o' nights and wearing out their perfectly good constitutions thinking out ways and means of helping you, and you may perhaps show some signs of life! Why is American archery where it is today? Because of organisation, enterprise, and energy. Nobody expects us to rival the scope and efficiency of the "N.A.A." for many moons to come, but why not make a start?

THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER 7

Yes! We're almost ashamed to admit it; but our American history is so shockingly weak that we just sat down and wrote to Sitting Bull, and asked him to give us the "low down" on Russ Hoogerhyde's amazing scores. Our letter was a model of Pidjin English:-"O Chief; tellum heap big secrets of Paleface Russ. Aussie braves makum and shootum many moons; but cannot gettem mighty scores. How come?"

We have now received the following communication. Were we surprised?

Dear Sirs,-

Your communication of 15th ult. has duly come to hand, and it has been referred to me, as direct lineal descendant of our revered ancestor S.B. The phenomenon of R. Hoogerhyde has for some time exercised the faculties of our most brilliant philosophic diagnosticians and psychologists, while here in the Physical Laboratories of the University of Wisconsin, of which I hold the honour to be Director, his unique accuracy has been made the subject of more than one thesis.

Needless to say, your inquiry renewed interest in a topic which our recent preoccupation with the Presidential re-election had permitted to flag, and a meeting of the Faculty was held to arrive at the most concise answer.

I am happy to state that we have now succeeded in "isolating the germ," as it were, and for the special benefit of your readers here it is. Russ shoots so well: Because he Holds them in the Right Direction.

Believe me to be. Sir,
Yours since-rely,
MARVIN P. ORFORD.

MY YEW BOW – Continued from Page 5

waterproofing compound.-as the final finish. This shows up the grain to a remarkable extent, and any woodworker would admire the way in which the grain has been followed religiously over the entire length of the bow.

The bow is completed with an inlaid mother of pearl arrow plate, which prevents wear and tear on the soft yew wood, and an ingenious arrow rest, made by building out the top of the handle at right angles with the bow to about ???? which does the job very efficiently.

The string is composed of 30 strands of Barbours Irish Linen and is an A grade string equal to the best in America. The original string listed for about 8000 shots and then I had one of Frank Horack's' fifty cent. strings of only 24 strands last for about 4000 shots, and now that is gone I have the mate to the original string fitted.

The bow, which does not have any fancy names, pulls a 27½i inch arrow weighing about 420 grains, which were made up form footed shafts Imported with the bow.

It hurls these footed monsters nearly flat at 40 yards and at 60 yards there is not that much difference. Of course it is not much good giving my points of aim for the different distances as the taller the archer the closer the point-of-aim to the target. But no matter who shoots my bow their point-of-aim is always well below the target at 60 yards. But I have forgotten one of the most important items-the weight.. As. I said before this varies with the weather to a certain extent and how fresh the bow is after shooting all day. On a humid, hot summer's day the bow will pull about 40lbs; but-on-.a brisk day in winter the average pull varies from 44 to 48lbs.

It is easily the sweetest shooting bow that I have ever handled. The entire absence of jar, so painfully experienced by shooters of lancewood bows. one of which I had for two years, has to be felt to be realised. The lightness in the hand of the actual wood is another point in favour of yew, for compared with its rival, osage orange, it is about twice as light

I sometimes wonder if my hair would turn grey if my yew bow was to break, but there is not much fear of that happening as so far there is not a sign of weakness.

8 THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER

In a sport so old as archery there is hardly anything that has not been tried and tested, not once, but many times before this. Even metal arrows, for instance, have been found to be quite familiar to certain primitive African tribes. Yet if anything can be claimed as certainly new, it is surely the practice of using raw silk under high tension as a backing for bows.

To Dr. C. N. Hickman, celebrated American physicist and Archery authority, goes the credit for inventing and perfecting silk backing, and much of what follows is taken with grateful acknowledgment from an article by him which appeared in the "American Archer."

Working upon the principle that drawn steel, or any other drawn metal, possesses greater elasticity and tensile strength than any other form of the same material. Dr. Hickman examined various substances and found silk was almost unbelievably strong. This is due to its molecular structure, the molecules being arranged in long, tenacious chains, just like drawn steel.

It was obvious to Dr. Hickman that such an elastic yet almost unbreakable substance would make a perfect backing for a bow. After much experimentation he developed the ideal method of preparation, which we will allow him to explain in his own words:

"Having explained the nature of the long elastic chains that are recommended for backing bows, we may explain how the chains are put into proper form for applying to the bow. The silk throwers use about eight cocoon threads, and they throw 23 of these together in untwisted form with the wax removed.

"About 25 per cent. of the silk as purchased in the raw state is gum. The silk thus prepared for me is put upon tubes marked 22 - 23 ends. This means twenty-three strands of -silk weighing 22 denier,.

"The silk in this form is passed through a bath of glue and wound on to drums that are 72 inches in circumference. Two layers of 100 threads per linear inch are wound on the drum.

"After drying, the sheet is split and removed from the drum. We now have about 37,000 cocoon threads per square inch width of sheet. The tensile strength of the sheet is about 58,000 pounds per square inch. The strands are wound on the drum with as much tension as the glue will hold. If removed before the glue sets, the sheets would be only about 71 inches long.

"Thus, we not only have the long chain molecular structure, but the chains are all stretched ready to take hold the moment the bow is bent. Due to the high elastic limit of silk, it may be further pretensioned at the time it is applied to the bow. In addition to the tension in the silk in sheet form, an additional 3 per cent. strength is available.

"Leaving 1 per cent. for the stretch due to the bending of the bow, the silk may be stretched 2 per cent. at the time it is applied to the bow or stave. That means that a 72in. strip may be stretched as much as 1½ inches. It should be clearly understood

THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER 9

that the sheet, if properly clamped, may be stretched 10 per cent. before it will break. However, during the last 7 per- cent. Stretching it does not have perfect elasticity. It will not completely return to its original length. In this respect it is like the wood of the bow. The wood takes a permanent set long before it breaks.

"Now the problem of applying these long elastic chains to the back of a bow or to a stave is more difficult to tell and for those who are not endowed with mechanical skill, find it rather difficult to do.

"If used without further pretension, it may be applied in the same manner as fibre or calf skin, except, it must not be soaked. It may be glued with hot glue, casein or best grades of cold glue. When using hot glue be sure that the temperature of the glue does not exceed 160 degrees F. Keep the glue between the temperature of 140 and 160 degrees F. Hot glue is the best and easiest glue to use once you get the knack of handling it.

"If the silk is to be further stretched at the time it is applied a strong stretching jig is required. This jig should be capable of withstanding forces up to 1000lbs.

"The clamps for holding the silk should be provided with emery cloth grips and will hold better if the silk turns 90 degrees as it leaves the clamp. Where the silk turns over the clamp, the edge over which it turns should be rounded to prevent the stresses from reaching the breaking point of the silk.

"Without the assistance of sketches or pictures it would be difficult to describe how to make a jig. I would recommend a base of wood 4in. x 4in. with metal clamps.

"A thick piece of felt or soft rubber should be placed beneath the silk with a piece of white cloth between the silk and the felt or rubber. Glue may be applied to both bow back and silk strip and the bow clamped down on the silk with large clamps.

"The bow should be left in the jig for at least 24 hours for hot glue to set, and 48 hours for casein glue. After the bow is removed from the jig, the silk may be worked like wood, provided the cutting is always with the grain. A heavy coat of varnish or lacquer should be used to protect the silk from rain."

IS IT A FAD?

"Time will tell whether it is just a fad or not. I only know that in my own case I have placed it on all my bows (some which have taken terrible sets and were very weak), so that to-day I do not have any bows left- that I can command. The weights and cast have been increased so much that were I to give figures, it would only be believed by those who have fully investigated the material.

The only other bows that I have that have a set are an old lemonwood bow that has a broken handle which still has fibre backing, and a yew bow with silk backing which was applied without pretension. The latter weighs 32 pounds for a 25-in. draw and has a point on the target at 100 yards using an arrow weighing something like 300 grains.

If we can get a better material for the belly of the bow and a substitute for the feathers, archery will become a sport that will never die, as it has in the past. The present popularity of archery could never exist without the improvement in tackle which has taken place in the past ten years.

Girls are now shooting with more cast than men used to get from their 55 to 70 pound bows. Archery is my hobby and while I sell silk backing it is more in the interest of archery than for profit. There are hundreds of others in America like myself who shoot rotten but still give lots to foster archery.

Even most of our tackle makers are so interested in the sport that they get a bigger kick out of making good tackle than making money. May the sport ever remain in the hands of individuals of this type. The same goes for the editors of our archery magazines. They get more kick out of publishing than they do out of collecting subscriptions." '

(For the benefit of the reader, it is only fair to state that silk backing is not obtainable in Australia yet, and will be unobtainable for the duration of the war. It is sold in the U.S.A. at about 6/ per strip, 72 inches long).

10 THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER

Pages could be written on this subject; but the question would scarcely be solved. It appears that some people, particularly those accustomed to the rifle, can shoot better with sights, while others quail at the very thought of their use in archery. A recent letter from a very fine archer in U.S.A. claims that the use of the p.o.a. is quite out of date, and the same view is shared by E. Hill Turnock, five times Pennsylvania State champion, and holder of the world's record for the English York round (742 points)-

However, against all this, neither the incomparable Russ Hoogerhyde, six times National champ, nor the brilliant Ann Weber, holder of all women's records, uses a sight. "I find the point of aim the most successful way of aiming for me," says Ann modestly.

I will go into this subject thoroughly and run an article on it in an early issue.

Cordovan leather is simply horsehide, the best being taken from a somewhat limited area surrounding the junction of the hind leg with the animal's side. It is highly prized by many American archers for its durability and pliability, as well as for the smooth, long-wearing surface that can be given it by burnishing.

it makes a very fine shooting tab or finger-tips, and is used for the test shooting gloves; but It would be a mistake to assume that it is essential for good shooting. Any smooth, firm leather 'will make a good tab. and pigskin is also particularly good for gloves, tips, etc.

I am glad you asked this question, it needs clearing up. The fact is that barrelling, tapering, or any other form of shaft other than the perfectly straight-sided is not in itself superior nor in this practice desirable. The reason for barrelling is that fast modern bows demand arrows with plenty of spine, and this means thickness at the chief point of stress. However, thickness gives added weight, which is certainly not desirable, and therefore the arrow is tapered up to and away from a maximum thickness at the section slightly back of its natural centre.

On this point the well-known American expert tacklemaker, Frank Horack. says; "But, if you can get wood stiff enough or even stiffer than is required, then the whole thing about barrelling doesn’t apply. If you can manage to have the shafts straight, you're much better off. If too stiff, taper them from the point in a straight line to a smaller nock."

On page six you will see it argued, with a-great deal of truth, that there are actually no Australasian records at present since we have no association of clubs or any ruling body to allocate such records. Certain people have put up several scores from time to time which are temporarily termed "records," but in truth they are but club records at the most. This position can only be remedied by the speedy formation of the Australasian Archery Association." Help us by doing all you can to make It a reality.

Entries for our second Postal Shoot with a fine 451b. bow as prize, are slow in coming in. You may leave the whole matter of handicaps and rounds to me if you wish, but-please hurry with entries. I think that it is not too much to ask for at least 25 entries in this contest, but so far they don't number even five!

All you have to do is to send in 2/, and you will be given every chance to win. Handicaps will be allotted on a most liberal basis; but of course the interests of every class of archer will be jealously guarded. Let me know your recent average scores, and waste no more time in securing that Postal Note!

THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER 11

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Despite the heat, archery continues to flourish in Adelaide, and each month finds our club running smoother and easier, without those annoying hitches and difficulties which usually attend a new organisation.

We are now shooting on our own grounds, situated between the University Oval and the Teachers' Training College Oval. Flanked by rows of gum trees, the site is ideal. especially during the hot months. Newcomers include Miss Joyce Findlay, Mr. J. Wardrop and Mr. D. K. Litchfield.

Joe Williams, with the assistance of a neighbour, has designed and constructed a steel bow on the flat bow principle, the experiment being, however, only partially successful, as the cast is inferior to the average wooden bow.

As an initial effort to raise funds for the "Spitfire" fighter, which the archery clubs of the Empire hope to purchase, the club arranged an outing at Miss Barbara Morgan's home, where an Olympic round was shot. Refreshments were supplied by Miss Morgan and competitors paid a target fee of two shillings as a contribution towards the fund. Scores will be published next month.

On Saturday, February 15, our first meeting on the new range, a clout shoot, shot over a distance of 140 yards at a 3ft. target, was won by Jack Wardrop, with Laurie Laurence second. A flight shoot was also arranged, but was only partially successful. Don Nadge won this event by shooting 185 yards.

With the thermometer registering 105, a practice American round was shot on Saturday 22nd. Ray Thompson had a "delightful" day, as apart from winning the event he broke one bow, one footed arrow and one string.

Here are the scores: Ray Thompson. 357; Ray Bolger. 333, Harold Elliott, 284; Bert Sammons. 268; Gordon Blythman, 263; Barbara Morgan, 238; Harry Harding, 121. The gallery included Joe Williams. Don Nadge and Jack Wardrop.

Jack Wardrop won the "Agam Fleetwood" trophy for March by scoring 275 in the American round on March 1st. Other scores were: Ray Bolger, 358; Gordon Blythman, 305; Ray Thompson, 258; Harold Elliott, 229; Don Nadge, 221; Joe Williams, 214; Keith Pratt, 112; Harry Harding, 121.

The Ladies shot an Olympic round and scored as follows: Peggy Wanchop, 489; Barbara Morgan, 477; Mrs. Ray Bolger, 350; Joyce Findlay, 86.

A further American round was shot on March 8th in a strong following wind, which made accurate shooting difficult for most of us, as the scores will show. Ray Bolger, 354: Ray Thompson, 281; Jack Wardrop, 249. Gordon Blythman, 211; Barbara Morgan, 208; Keith Pratt, 206; Joe Williams, 195; Harold Elliott, 134: Harry Harding, 134, Don Nadge, 128; Claud Bennett, 119; Mrs. Bolger. 113; Joyce Findlay, 75.

For 30 arrows at 30 yards. Gordon Blythman scored 196 in an indoor handicap shoot and thus won a trophy spoon. Jack Wardrop with 182 was successful on the following Thursday. The best score to date in these competitions is the 226 shot by Ray Thompson.

BRISBANE ARCHERS

Since the commencement of the year 1941, the Brisbane archers have held club shoots on the 2nd February and 2nd March respectively.

During 1940 several members of the club left as a result of enlistment or other necessary military

12 THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER

service. One of our keenest members, Joe Langan, is now living iii North Queensland. We hope ere long to hear of an archery club in Cairns. Further, our good friend,. Bert and Mrs. Harris, have left the only (only temporarily, we hope) in order to spend a hiking holiday in New South Wales.

As Bert has with him, among other holiday paraphernalia, a hunting bow and some broad heads, there is no saying what will happen to the fauna of forest, river, or foreshore.

Added to the heartaches produced by departing club members, has been the loss of our splendid shooting field, which the tenant cannot make available during 1941. Some day we hope to own our range, complete with clubhouse, cocktail bar, and a fire- place before which to roast our venison.

Club membership amounts at present to eight permanent members. However, there are often visits from novices seeking information. On Sunday, the 2nd February, the club was honoured by the visit of Allan Wilson, one of our enthusiastic friends from Mackay, who was able to visit several of the archers subsequently'.

The March shoot was carried out at the residence of Rhys Williams, at Salisbury, where a 60yd. range with straw butts is under construction.

As Eric Leather has already recorded 505 score for 2 single American Round on the new range, the new location must be favourable.

As a result of the review of the club's activities during 1940, three silver arrow trophies in brooch form, one donated by Mr. Joe Parry, have been awarded on the basis of four best American or Columbia Rounds shot during the half-year ended 31^st December 1940.

Champion of the club, of course, was Eric Leather. Jim Pike and Leila Parry have been awarded the men's and women's best improvement trophy respectively. Heartiest congratulations are extended to all three.

MACKAY ARCHERY CLUB

Mr. Morgan Jones writes: Here we are again with the news and this time there is some news. The meeting we were to hold on the 20^th February was postponed until the following night and it was a great success: counting old members, 18 turned up.

I opened the meeting and called for- nominations for new officers, and l was again elected President; Allan. vice-President; Billie Atkinson. Secretary; Miss Francis McKeevee, Treasurer; and Mrs. Rooney, George Theodore. Winnie Martin and Eric, Graham were nominated for the committee.

All were in favour of electing Mr. 0. E. Neale as patron. He accepted the position and gave quite a nice little speech about the possibilities Archery has in Mackay, and concluded his speech by saying that he will donate a Patron's Cup when necessary.

It was expressed at the meeting that the name Mackay Bowmen Society did not allow for Lady Archers, so it was decided by a majority that the title of the Club now be known as the Mackay Archery Club.

It was decided that tournaments be held every second Sunday and intervening Sundays for practice.

The sum of 5/- was thought enough for the yearly subscription and we now have 15 financial members, and 10 other members promise to pay their fee next tournament day; that will be on the 23rd inst., weather permitting. Marvellous, it hasn't rained for the last three Sundays; but it is raining at the time of writing, and I have been informed that the wet weather hasn't started yet.

On Sunday 23rd February we had a beginners' day, about 20 turned up, and the old members had their hands full showing new recruits just how it is done. We had another beginners' day the following Sunday, but not so many turned up, but the shooting was an improvement than on the previous -Sunday, although bruised arms and sore fingers were the same.

Last Sunday we had a practice Tournament, the new recruits shot a Columbia Round and the old members shot an American.

The tournament was more or less

THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER 13

to show the new members the way to score and how to get used to things on the field.

The tall "elephant grass" as you call it is still at large in the park, and we have been shooting on a flat about a mile out of town, but I think by the time we are to have our- next tournament the grass on the old park will be cut and we will be shooting there.

Mr. 0. E. Neale has seen a couple of Australasian Archers, and he thinks they are very good, and I am sure everyone that buys them has the same opinion. Mr. Neale has given me 7/ for 12 months' subscription.

No one has been along to see me regarding that Postal shoot yet, but I will make it my business to see the club members and ask them if they want to enter for it, and it any of them do I will immediately send down the entries, if any, within the next four days

I shot a practice Olympic the other day and managed 650 with a 23lb spotted gum bow, and my brother's arrows.

Thank you very much for your interest in us up here, I can assure you that we are all very grateful to you for the help you have already given us by way of "The Archer."

DUNEDIN NOTES

A. Butel now holds top place with .an Olympic round of 726 (55 golds;- I perfect). This is going to take some beating, but Bob Dunne's 666 and Frank Wheeler's 658 show an earnest effort to head it off in the near future. The club has now quite a number getting up around the 600's and are now starting on the American Round, when we can get better comparative scores with other clubs.

The club's membership, allowing for defections and those on military service, is 63, with several new prospects; so Melbourne will have to step on it to be the biggest club south of the Line.

About 36 members and friends made the 80-mile journey to Oamaru on Sunday the 9th, and shot a match against Oamaru - 5 ladies and 5 men aside teams. Dunedin won both events. There was a strong gusty wind and the scores (Olympic) were kept down to the 500's. V. Mathie, of Oamaru. 576, being top-score

Four pages of New Zealand archery in picture and story are promised for next issue, which will be a "double number." The game is making great strides in that picturesque Dominion, and "Aussies" must look to their laurels or the N.Z. contingent will be putting them in the shade. When champions are talked of, these hardy Islanders will be well in the running. Order your "Archer" early!

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About 40 took part in an open clout shoot of 100 yards. Here again the, wind played havoc and left the shoot-off to three lady members-Miss Tess Hannagan, Dunedin, winner, and Miss Bee, Oamaru, second.

The club has been asked by the Caledonian Society to put oil an event at their forthcoming big sports meeting. It has been decided to shoot an Olympic in pairs. Three pairs. consisting of a lady and a man, will shoot on separate targets, with scorers, and the progressive scores will appear on large blackboards. A running commentary by a club member over the loud speaker will give the public a better idea of the progress of the contest.

TIDINGS FROM TIMARU

F'rom Mr. E. C. D'Arcy comes the following interesting letter:

"You will no doubt remember me writing to you some months ago about the "Australasian Archer." Since then I have been getting them regularly from Mr. N. J. Ryan. Dunedin, who is of course well known to you.

A friend and I have started a small Archery Club in Timaru. He is H. Currie, who gets the Archer direct from you. We have a membership of 4 men and three ladies. Also one or two boys and girls.

14 THE AUSTRALASIAN ARCHER

We all shoot regularly every Saturday and if it had not been for the war, our membership would have been much larger.

We were fortunate when we started, in obtaining a Yew Bow and English arrows from an old champion archer, Captain McArthur, R.N. who had done a lot of shooting in England years ago. I bought a Yew Bow 47lb and a Sefab Steel Bow from him (401b). Unfortunately this bow caved in on one end just recently.

It was a marvellous weapon to shoot with, with its steel string and I miss it horribly. I see your friend Stokan has one. I wonder if he knows if mine could be repaired In Australia?

None of us had been shooting very long, but we men have all reached round about 536 in the Olympic Round, but we have a little lady shooting whose record is rather remarkable, and I think if she keeps going a great deal more will be heard of her.

Her name is Mrs. E. R. Pringle, and her husband is also a keen archer. She shoots with an old cracked Yew bow on which you can hardly see any wood, for binding. Its pull is 25 lb, and she has a good set of footed arrows made by her husband who had never seen a proper arrow four months ago.

Here is her record, and I enclose herewith her latest score card. Her first shot from a bow was on the 1st December, 1940, and she commenced taking her score on the 11th January 1941. Here they are, all 90 shots at 30 yards: II/l/41, hits 45, golds 1, score 202, 18/l/41, 66, 4, 297; 25/11/41, 58, 5, 278; 1/2/41. 82, 10 412; 2/2/41, 84, 8, 432; 15/2/41. 87, 12, 503; 16/2/41, 90, 17, 534; 22/2/ 41, 89, 22, 607.

Well, -for a beginner we all think this must be a record for N.Z., if not for Australia, and I have sent copies of her score-, to Mr. McVinnie, in Oamaru, and Mr. Ryan, in Dunedin.

We also have another lady, Mrs. H. Currie, who is shooting well: in- fact, our ladies are showing the men how to shoot.

Our English arrows were all years old when we got them, and did not last very long. However, thanks to the "Archer" we can make them almost as good ourselves, with footings of jarrah, aluminium nocks and fibre nocks.

We make them out of deal, supplies of which, we have been fortunate in getting from doors and sashes of old buildings, which have been pulled down around Timaru lately, and for any Archer who is interested deal is an ideal arrow wood, but this is the only way to get it in N.Z., at any rate.

Bill Pringle. Hugh Currie and I have all shot rabbits and for a thrill a day's rabbit hunting with bow and arrow takes some beating. Our latest ambition is to get a wild goat, and we intend to spend a day after these shortly.

However, enough of ourselves. We are all very keen on the "Australasian Archer." and look forward to its arrival each month. The articles in it are splendid and we all wish it every success.

One suggestion we would like to make if we are permitted. I have a few copies of "Ye Sylvan Archer" printed in Oregon, U.S.A., and as an all-round Archery magazine we all think your- magazine beats it hollow, but the American magazine tells a lot of hunting trips and big game shooting, a little of which we think would be most interesting in the "Australasian Archer."

There must be Australian Archers who use the bow on game, and their experiences would be great reading.

After all, we who take up archery for sport are hunters at heart. Most of us are keen on guns and rifles, and have taken up Archery, because a bow is a new weapon to us, not an old one, and in my opinion a more sporting one than either gun or rifle, as with a bow and arrow one does not have telescopic sights to send a rifle bullet true to its target or a spread of' shot a yard wide, but a length of wood driven true by skill and judgment alone, thus giving the game a more than even break, and not only that, but the stalk to get within range of live game, Is also an art and a thrill.

Through your magazine we would like to thank Mr. J. McVinnie, -of Oamaru, and Mr. V. J. Ryan, of Dunedin, for the many kindnesses and real help they have given us.