CHAPTER 6 THE JUDGES' STAND

The summer of 1912 was particularly warm on Prince Edward Island. Although tourism was a very minor consideration, Islanders took full advantage of the situation, and many leisure hours were spent close to the water. John Hyndman's summer home at Rocky Point, near the mouth of Charlottetown Harbour and close to the remains of old Fort Amherst, was the location where friends would gather, on occasion, to enjoy his hospitality, and scratch their names on the cottage walls where they remain to this day. Whether any 'smoke pipes' were taken on these visits, or targets thrown over the water, is not known; but it was on one of these occasions, when fellow Newstead Club members were guests, that a short meeting of the Club prevailed, and a number of rather important items were discussed: First of all, concerns were expressed that the hosts at Inkerman, where the Club had shot for the past season, had borne additional expense of the fires, etc., that had made the shooters comfort- able through those cold Saturdays, and shouldn't some- thing be done to assist in these costs? The members agreed immediately to an assessment of $.75 each to defray these expenses, and help show appreciation for the use of the home, cottage, and grounds. Also discussed was the possibility of a permanent home for the Club, complete with clubhouse, but at this point it didn't get beyond the talking stage--although it would soon have to be decided where they were going to shoot this coming winter. Another point that all members agreed to was the introduction of a classifi- cation system, despite the cautions brought forward by Fred Hyndman, who well recalled the damaging effects that a confusing system had inflicted on the Belvidere Club. They agreed to a system based on the 1912 shooting records, and Secretary Ted Coombs agreed to have it ready prior to the first competition, which was still a few months away...there was still the upcoming fall hunting season and that, at this point, had priority.

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