Mason strikes gold at show

LAURA BASHAM

HAPPY MAN: Woodchopper Arch Mason, of Southland, won the Creighton 300mm standing competition.

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Woodchopper Arch Mason came from the bottom of the South Island to the top to compete at the Nelson A&P Show – and he's glad he did.

The Southlander won the big event of Saturday, the Creighton Brothers 300mm standing competition. "I travelled 1000km to win it and I'm going home a happy man," he said.

He was glad to strike a good log in the final, after a difficult one in the heat.

Mr Mason paid tribute to stalwart Frank Creighton. "I've known him all my life and I'm honoured to win the Creighton chop."

Mr Creighton was awarded life membership of the Nelson Axemen's Association. Event organiser Ross Birchfield said Mr Creighton had been involved in the sport for 70 years.

"He has travelled around various farms and always been involved in chopping and supporting local axemen. He's a great coach and mentor to a lot of us."

The weekend competition attracted more than 50 competitors, with more than $10,000 in prize money.

The major event on Sunday, the Fraser Family 325mm underhand contest, was won by West Coaster John Aitken.

The fiercely fought Speights Double-Handed Sawing competition between sponsors resulted in the Fulton Hogan team of Michael Bevan and Dean Campbell winning, ahead of Endeavour Homes' Kevin Satherley and Graeme Butler, with Totally Plastered team James Waters and Shane Waters third, and PF Olsen's Peter Wilkes and Kennen Packer fourth.

Marlborough won the teams race.