NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2450, 15 March 1909, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

SPLENDID SHOOTING. A NEW ZEALAND TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA . <P ress Association.) WELLINGTON, March 13. Subsequent to the champion match being fired yesterday afternoon the spectators gathered around the stand for the presentation of prizes'. His Excellency the Governor, Sir Jos.epli Ward, and Miss Eileen Ward, and the Hon. Dr Findlay were present. Colonel Collins extended thanks to his Excellency and the Premier for fin ir presence and expressed regret at the absence of Lady’ Plunket and 1 adv Ward. The Colonel dwelt upon the success of the meeting, which was a record for the Dominion. He made mention of the number of possibles, but the Association did not object to paying for excellent, shooting.. Commenting on the use of fixed targets, the Colouei said in spite of the opinion of the Home authorities regarding the utility of fixed targets, lie still held a warm regard foi® them. He reminded rifle clubs of the duty they owed by them, and he trusted they would recognise this, as they luid been allowed to shoot side by side with volunteers, and that they would rsisunble in strong force at the Easter encampment. The Governor expressed great pic asure at attending the final stage of tl e meeting. He had been agreeably surprised at the excellent report of its success. He regretted that Lady 3 junket was not present, as she was actively interested in the welfare of New Zealand Volunteers. Personally he had been a rifle shot before a good ir-Any present could carry a rifle, having competed against one of the best teams of England. Since that day he had not indulged in much shooting, lie was in favor of fixed targets for their preliminary value. Sir Joseph Ward also expressed lus pleasure at being present, and dwelt upon the success of the gathering. He made special rferenee to the shooting qualities of Lieut. Duncan, and also to Captain King, who had accepted his defeat in such a gentlemanly way, also to the marksmanship of Captain Masefield, who had made 104 out of a possible 105. It would be an agreeable surprise to marksmen to note that tlio Government were providing £350 in order to send New Zealand marksmen to compete at the Australian championship meeting in October next —(Applause)—as New Zealand should be represented as well as a Home teom, and' probably when the Home authorities saw that New Zealand was to be represented they would be induced to send a team. "He expressed his warmest thanks to Colonel Collins for the enthusiasm he had shown in the welfare of the Rifle Association. In future they would require to follow both the system of fixed and moving targets in order to produce efficient marksmanship. Lieut. Duncan was then presented with the belt and gold medal by the Governor amidst great applause. Other successful marksmen also received prizes at the hands of his Excellency. Colonel Collins met the press representatives to tender thanks for their support during the meeting, and promised them better facilities for .next year. While addressing them he remarked that lie had overlooked to publicly mention the long and valuable service rendered by,the late representative of the United Press Association, the late Mr George Humphries. On innumerable occasions ho had assisted the staff in many ways, and none felt his loss more keenly than the Colonel himself.

The shooting at Trentliam has never reached so high a stage of perfection as at the meeting now closed, and the breezes, .at- times someivhat baffling, were gentle and refreshing during the midday blaze of the sun. The competitors, by their splendid marksmanship, taking the shooting in globo, demonstrated what they can do under favourable conditions. The seiwice matches shoAved also that the riflemen of the Dominion are rapidly fitting themselves to be ready to meet tlie foe, if foe should ever challenge. In every department of the meeting tlie affairs ot the Association were a thorough and most gratifying success.