Shooting Match at Bald Hill Flat.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 17 September 1903, Page 5

Shooting Match at Bald Hill Flat.

(From an Occasional Correspondent.) A shooting competition for ,£lO was held at Bald Hill Flat on Saturday last, 12th inst, the weather being everything that could be desired. The trapper (Mr Albert Smith), who has had a lot of experience, gave general satisfaction, and the clay birds went out very uniformly. Though illness, Mr George Hesson, one of the local club's most efficient members, was unable to compete, but he kindly consented to act as judge, and he really looked quite lordly sitting in his cushioned chair. I hope he will be present at our next meeting, gun in hand, to uphold the honour of Bald Hill Flat. At about 1.20 p.m, sixteen competitors very freely gave their nominations, but a few were disinclined to give their performances. Burgess, from Alexandra, on the 18yds mark, was somewhat disappointing, after his performance of 30 birds in two nominations at Alexandra, but he was game to the end. Wilson, from Ida Valley, on the 17yds mark, got only three in his first, and six in his second nomination; and I really think the handicapper overestimated the abilities of both these performers. The remaining 14 competitors fired off the 10yds mark. Gunn (by name and nature) got 11 in his first nomination, and 13 in his second; which is a really good performance, considering he was using a gun he was not accustomed to. Larson, from Alexandra, got 11 in each of his nominations, and I have no doubt this shootist will be further heard of in the near future. R M'Neish, of athletic fame, toed the mark without any practice, and I really believe he would have made, as good an attempt at catching the birds as he did shooting them. W M'Neish, jun, hardly shot up to his usual form, though he averaged 11 for each nomination, Dowdall retired in bis first nomination, and appeared to be thinking of how many long beers would be sold in his absence, but on receipt of a wire that there was a good demand for " Simpson and Harfs, ; he brightened up and got 12 for his second nomination, M'lntosb, from Ida Valley, who is quite a lad, deserves credit for coming such a long distance; he obtained 7 in his second nomination, and with a little coaching will yet distinguish himself. Denniston, of Alexandra, got 13 in his second nomination, and is all but perfect as a shot, Popham, from Miller's Flat, got 13 in his first nomination, and it was a treat to see him handle his gun. There was one gentlerran wh© looked very melancholy—he was, I think, canvassing for orders, but was not very successful, as we were all dining on pigeon pie. The match resulted ns follows: Popham and Denniston (13 each) divided first and second money ; and Gunn and Dowdall (12 each) divided third.