Miniature Rifle Club Faces Depression

Chronicle (Levin), 24 June 1949, Page 3

Miniature Rifle Club Faces Depression

With only 13 or 14 active members taking part in. this season's activities of the Shannon Miniature Rifle Club, there is a grave possibility that the club may be forced into recess before the end of the present season. The best attend-. ance at the weekly shoots this season was on the opening night, when 15 marksmen were present. • iSince then the average attendance has been between ten and twelve. This is a great " re'duction

over last season, when over du were present on the opening night and the average attendance at the weekly club nights was between 25 and 30. It is indeed unfortunate that so many of the older members have lost interest in the club, as their presence and guidance to the youngsters who make up the present membership is the life blood pf the club's activities. It is hoped that the "old timers" will rally round and help the club to survive the present depression. The local club was originally a Moutoa sports body and in prewar days was one of the strongest in the district. In 1938 it was found that most of the members were coming over from Shannon and it was decided to transfer activities into town. Like many other sports bodies, the rifle cluh suffered setbacks during the war yeairs and it was not until 1945 that it became firmly established again. In 1947 the club prospered and. over 45 members were enrolled, many of these being the youngsters who are attempting to carry on today. However, over the past year or so the membership has fallen off until this season has become the 'deadline, and it is only if the interest of some of the foundation members is renewed that it will be able to carry on. The following are the targets returned at Wednesday night's shoot: — P. Third 88, H. Munford 98, G. Kennard 94, C. Sands 86, D. Harper 33, B. L6e 38, P. Hemmingsen 30, Miss C. Robinson 69, J. Birss 79, Miss D. Kennard 39, M. Clough 46, L. Pask 83 and C. Harris 69.