THE INTER-COLONIAL RIFLE CONTEST.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1204, 2 December 1873, Page 2

THE INTER-COLONIAL RIFLE CONTEST.

PERFORMANCES BY THE AUCKLAND

MEN,

(From Our Special Correspondent.)

We left Auckland on 30th October, and arrived in Sydney od sth November at eight a.m., missing the steamer for Melbourne, it having left the previous evening. We were thus detained in Sydney until Friday, the 7th, when we left for the scene of the coming contest, arriving there on Monday evening the 10th. We were informed that the competition had commenced that morning, which was two days before the time advertised, and that the match which we had gone over for, viz., the inter-colonial, was to take place next day. On account of there being more New Zealand representatives than the number expected, viz., twenty, there was great difficulty in choosing, the team, but eventually it was decided to select ten wellknown shots, the remainder to fire for places ; and as might be expected considerable dissatisfaction resulted, for men having been sent aw.iy to represent their province, did not like to compete again for what they had already won, especially with extra men. The Southern representatives had been there three or four days before, and of course were better fitted for tiring than we who had not seen the range, and had but just left the steamer. However, as no time was to be lost the only course open was to accept the team as selected. The match took placo next day, and resulted in a victory for New South Wales, Victoria being second, and New Zealand, as might have been expected under the existing circumstances last. But it was pretty freely acknowledged at the meeting that had we enjoyed the same opportunities for practice as the other teams the result would have been different. Why the match was not taken in the order in which it stood on the list, namely 14, instead of being fired for at the commencement of the meeting, was the cause of a good deal of speculation and unfavorable comment. No doubt in every way the New Zealanders Trere under a disadvantage ; most of them had but just landed from a voyage, and none of them had ever fired on the range before, while the New South Wales and Victoria men have often competed together on the same range, and consequently were better acquainted with its peculiarities, and it is acknowledged to be a very difficult one, being situated on the beach, and subject to strong gusty winds from the sea, the windage allowance being much greater than is usually with the generality of New Zealand ranges. That New Zealand is to be congratulated upon the position she holds in the contest is evident, Victoria beating by only thirty-eight points, which is less than two points a man, whereas in tho following matches in which New Zealand could compete she obtained most of the leading prizes, proving that had our men laboured under fewer disadvantages, Victoria at least would in all probability have been placed hors de comlat.

In the All Comers' Match New Zealand tied with Victoria, but took decond place by the score at the last range.

In the Members' Match New Zealand took first place.

For the Ladies' Trophy New Zealand took first place.

In the Carbine Match New Zealand held sixth place.

In the Coming Man Match New Zealand held first place ; also in the pool. In the Drapers' Target New Zealand tied for first place.

In the Carton, New Zealand took third or fourth place, but through a mistake was omitted.

So that out of eight matches allowed to New Zealand it has taken four first places, and tied in two others for first place. With respect to Auckland it is gratifying to know that we are not disgraced, but on the conti-ai-y have taken a good position in the competition, having won the largest amoxint of prizes of any of the provinces of New Zealand, which speaks well, and also proves that we can now take our stand with the other provinces, which was not the case some time back. Every one of the four representatives from Auckland has taken prizes, and three have taken first position, viz.— Partington in the Members' Match ; Stone, the Ladies' Trophy ; and Skinner, for Pool, besides other place prizes, while Alderton has succeeded in getting a place in four matches, so that Auckland may be content with the position it holds in the Wimbledon of Melbourne. It is now generally looked upon in Victoria and New South Wales that New Zealand will compete annually witli them, therefore it behoves us to set to work and be ready this time for the next event, for we shall find it no easy task to make New South Wales or Victoria relinquish the laurels they have won. During our stay we were treated in every instance by the authorities with great kindness. Jree passes were given to all the railways, and invitations to all the principal places of note ; and in fact everything was done' to make us welcome, and to show us a cordial and friendly feeling.