Story: Logging native forests

Chopping and sawing competitions (1st of 2)

Chopping and sawing competitions

Spectators stand well back as the chips fly during a log-chopping event at the 1915 Eltham Axemen’s Carnival. Sawing and chopping competitions were very popular in New Zealand and elsewhere from the 19th century. They attracted timber workers, who were skilled at wielding an axe. The man in white is New Zealander J. E. (Ned) Shewry, a world champion axeman.

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Puke Ariki - Taranaki Museum & Library
Reference: O.16.6

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Logging native forests - Logging and sawmilling, 1840–1920', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12753/chopping-and-sawing-competitions (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 24 Sep 2007