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Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 551, 16 October 1871, Page 2

It aftbrds us great satisfaction to übserve the successful initiation of a movement for the establishment of a Kifle Association in Auckland. If ever the colony is to place itself in a position to defend itself against the attacks of an enemy, it must be by the whole population becoming accustomed to the skilful use of the weapon of the age. Volunteering is good, but there are those who will not subject themselves to the humiliation of the jroose step, unless under either legal compulsion or the pressure of impending danger, while it is known that the use of the rifle has a singular attraction for the great bulk of the people. Of the two qualifications for an efficient defence of our shores, it is certain that the skill of the marksman would be scarcely less valuable to us than the ability to go through military evolutions, and on a sudden emergency a population of sharp shooters would be able to render no mean, account of themselves. We trust the movement will be attended with success, and though we shall not expect to rival Wimbledon, the institution now being formed may yefc furnish specimens of skill in the use of the rifle that will make known to the world the prowess of the Auckland JMe Association.