TRENTHAM, 1909.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 455, 13 March 1909, Page 6

TRENTHAM, 1909.

■ : + ' _ ■ .. , BELT WON BY A POINT. /■■'.' LIEUTENANT DUNCAN CHAMPION. "THE COOLEST MAN ON THE RANGE." ■ GENERAL SHOOTING A RECOBD. Yesterday, the day of the great annual fight for the New Zealand Rifle Championship Belt, dawned ominously. The sky was overcast by a thick haze, which hung over the hills behind the butts like a murky reek, and cast nil aspect of gloom over the range. There was not a breath of.-wind. The rangb flogs on the mounds drooped limply, muto and dispirited-looking witnesses ' to the fact that the "fish-tails and "corkscrews" of this tricky ground had ceased their striving. Rain-merely -a few heat drops —fell at intervals during the morning, and tlio atmosphere boded ill.for the afternoon's event, but the turn of noon brought a change, the sun struggled "through the haze, and a muggy heat spread, itself ovor men and things. , '•Washing Up." ... ' . - Dnring the forenoon, the remaining events ffit^pSfK^niamg forms part-of the narrative of the lung si me firing thev will bo dealt with at this. stage, loathe forty'ninth and fiftieth places in J* Viftv"' were kept blank for .the , misuccessfu I™- The sever"fired off three shots each at the 1000 varfsr n ange e early in the forenoon, wuh this -result-- . : ' _ Sergt. Mills, Dnnedin ... ■» - "*> * Eifleman Spencer, Shannon ™r» Pte. Farley, Auckland - pte. Sorensen, Auckland ... - *»-o Eifleman Earle, Biversdale 24*-* "Second Fifty" faHows. £»«•«*& ::: ~ &■* Paired-off for the Last' Struggle. Everything was clear for, the fc championship Eange, their targets on the. mounds being as follow;— .■.....-• _r No -.I— Eifleman-- Soper, Rifleman Henry.. So! 2-Eifleman Q. Loveday, Pte Frederick. No. 3.-Rifleman ■Mβ! or,. Bugler Soler. No! ;.l.—Lieut. M.. N. Atkinson, Sergt. 1. J No eS S- Rifleman Tarr, Eifleman Franklin. No. G.-Lieut. Duncan, Sergt. Clyde. ' No 7.-Pte. -Mackay, Rifleman Bairstow. No. 8.-Rifleman Boots, Q.-M.-S. Shaw. - No 0.-CapfDoddsi Eifleman F. C. Franklin. No. 10.-Eifleman A. H. Guy, Col.-Sergt. Hißg"\o. 11.-Col.-Sergt. Hadfield, Sergt. Anderson. No. 12-Capt.■ W.. S.,King, Lieut. Hawthorn. . ■ ■ No 13.'-Col.-Sergt.. Ching, Trooper Marenzi. No.' 14.-Sergt. Irank, Lieut Neilson. ■.. • ; No. 15.-Pte. May Hew, Capt. Searle. ?Jv; /> No. 16.—Lce:-Corpl. Butcher,-Kifleman \VinS No.' 17-Lient. Skelley, SeTgt.Mills... No. 18.-Sergt. Wallis, Corpl. Patrick. No. 19.-Pte. Wing, Pte. Murphy. . No. 20.—Lieut. C. J: Hollard, Corpl. OCon-' No. 21.—Sergt. Tates, Eifleman M'Murray. No. 22.—C01.-Sergt. Beckirigham, Rifleman Halliday. . ■■-.." i 'V ■' .".-:' No. 23.-Corpl. Kells.'Gunner-Ghing. No. 24.—Sifleaian. : Spencer, Pte. Cox. - No. 25.—Sergt. Needham,.Rifleman.Mjlroy. There are certain, advantages of position on "the mounds; those who are nearer either'end, and so approximating'a line with the range flags, are more favourably situated for estimating the'strength'of. the wind; hence the custom of selecting positions by lot. But this advantage could not be said to accrue to those bo favourably posted, as there, was, practically, a dead calm,,and every,man lay down on even terms. A detachment of the Royal New Zea-. land Artillery was detailed to act as official 6corers, one to each squad of two. It was. an an interesting scene. Along the mounds, in Basy positions, lay the "Fifty," the members of each squad chatting away to each other as if to obliterate, during the interval of waiting, all consciousness of the event in which they were to be the principal actors. Behind them, by their easels, scoring blackboards and signal flags, stood the artillerymen, in their spruce uniforms; to the rear of these again were a distinguished company of visitors, His Excellency the Governor; the Prime > Minister, the members of the Council of Defence and. Staff, and prominent citizens; further back still, behind the fence, were assembled an interested throng of spectators. The gay uniforms of the Staff Officers lent an interesting piece. of colour to the scene. ' . ' ''Commence Firing!" . A bvtgle-call, clear and penetrating, rang..out, tha signal for the commencement of firing. The red flag on the distant butts disappeared, 11' i expectant pause-ensued,--while , the scorers gave the order of firing—then, a shot rang out and echoed among the hills, followed, almost ii-stfintaneously by another, and two or threo seconds later, the rattlo of rifles broke out along the whole line. Interest immediately centred upon the leaders of the "Fifty," for with siich weather conditions, nothing but eheer ill luck, or an inexplicable collapse, would serve to materially alter tho positions. Captain King was leading in the aggregates by ont; point; Lieut; Duncan and Corp. Patrick were each oho point behind the leader. Duncan fired into the second place, for the 1907 championship, while Patrick was regarded as a "stayer," and in his best form this season. These were followed by Guy, .if Kaponga, who had shot with great care and consistency dnring tho meeting; Shaw, of Auckland, was also a strong man. Generally speaking, the feeling among tho riflemen was that either King or Patrick would win, although, by eome, Duncan was held to have equal chances. As events proved, public anticipation was partly fulfilled. Captain King's 111-luck. Captain King opened with an outer (2), for his eighter, and then settled down to the serious business of M finding the bull. Shot number one Teached the inner (i), as also did the following two. His fourth shot was less successful, a magpie (3)— bird of ill-omen—being tho result. Then came a disastrous miss, for he was now I three points behind his rivnl, Lieut. Duncan. At last, with his sixth shot, ho found the bull; the next three shots also pierced tho black disc, and matters looked hopeful, for with one shot to go, he had just a chance of tying with his rivnl, who had finished with a score of 40. King was cow 35, and had to find the bull's-eye to tie. And here a strange thing hnppened. Col.-Sergt. Ching, who, with Trooper Marenzi, was firing on the next target, sent a bullet into the bull'seye on King's target. The signal, appearing on the latter's target just as he was settling hiineelf for his final effort, must have been a littledisconcerting, but after a pause the ex-chanipnn took a long and careful aim, fired, and—missed. Ho was ont of the rnnning now, and the next question which aroso was—"Who will beat Duncan?" Watching the Winner. Duncan' opened with a sighter on tho magpie (3), and with his first two business shots found '■ the bull; two timers (4) followed, then another bull, and then a miss. He recovered with a magpie (3) for his seyonth shot, scored a couple of bulls, finished with an inner (4), and rose with a formidable aggregate score of 491 points. His was by no means the best score, but his heavy aggregate in the previous matches nmdo him secure. Tho performance- of the Opaki Rifle Club teams yesterday in tho Champion Team District Challenge Shield Match, proves what a fine body of marksmen are congregated in the Wnirarapa. The club was first, fourth, and ninth respectively in the competition in which there were nearly fifty teams entered. Tho average score per man was 94.9, and the com-, fcinations won .£49 worth of prize-money.

SYNOPSIS OF RESULTS.

First Day. . Volunteer Match.-Won by Sergt.-Major A. Hyde, Hawko's Bay Mounted Rifles; aggregate score, 93 points. Riflo Club Match.—Won by Rifleman C. H. Speck, Stratford; aggregate score, 102 points. Carbine Cup.—Won by Rifleman C. H. Speck, Stratford, whoso score, 102 points, was the highest compiled in matches 19 and 20 (volun. teers and riflemen). Extra Match (No. 1).-Won by Rifleman J. A. Franklin, Weber; scoro, 35 points (the "possiblo"). Extra Match (No. 2).-Won by Pte. Drummond, Denniston Rifles; score, 34 points. Second Day: Nelson Match.-Won by Pte. W. H. Boys, Newton Rifles; aggregate score, 98. Runnerup: Pte. J. A. Duley, Dannevirke Rifles; aggregate score, 97. Extra Match (No. 3).-Pto. W. E. Boys, Timaru; score, 33. Runner-up: G. Howe, Ngatiawa, 33. Extra Match (No. 4).— Sorgt. Sountag, Dunedin, 34. Rifleman W. J. Henry, Opaki, 34. Third Day: Snap-shooting Match.—l2s "possible" scorers awarded prizes of Bs. each. Rapid-Firing Match,—Won by Rifleman J. L. Turner, Petono; score, 46 points. Attack Match.—Won by Sergt. J. Peck, Waikato Mounted Rifles; score, 9 points. Cover Match.—Twenty-five "possible , . , scorers awarded prizes of Bs. each. Fourth Day: Wellington Match.-Won by Col.-Sergt. C. Grindell, Napiqr; aggregate score, 95 points. Extra Match (No. s).—Won by Rifleman M'lntosh, Opaki; score, 34 points. Extra Match (No. 6).—Won by Corp. J. B. Fisher, Stoke; score, 34 points. Fifth Day: Union Cup.—Won by Rifleman A. H. Guy, Kaponga; score, 230 points, Auckland Match.-Won by Sergt. F. James, of Napier; score, 98 points, Otago Match.—Won by Pte. Storkey, of Napier; score, 96 points, Sectional Firing.—Won by Timaru Guards; score, 106 points. Rapid Firing.-Won by Victoria Rifles, A Team. Extra Match, No. 7.—Won by_ SurgeonCaptain M , Knight; score, 33 points. Sixth D,".y: Leading for the "King's Fifty."—Captain W. S. King, Linwood Rifles; aggregate score, 411 points. Loop-hole Cover Match.—Won by Rifleman M'Leay, Opaki; score, 50 points. ( Colonial Ammunition Company's Cup.—Won by the Linton Rifle Club; total hits, 18. Cover Firing Match.—Won by Opaki Rifle Club (B Team).-Total hits, 22. Surprise Service Match.—Won by Opaki Rifle Club (3 Team); number of hits, 11.

Lieut. Duncan, the champion rifle shot of the Dominion, was born at Hokitika in 1872, and he is therefore 37 years of age. He is a miner by occupation, and has been shooting for a number of years. In 1907, when col.sergeant of the Denniston Eifles, he was runner-up to Eifleman Arthur Ballinger at the Championship Meeting.- He was one of tho Now Zealand team which took part.in the Empire Meeting in Sydney in 1907, and, although he was not selected to fire in the big event against Australia and England, he secured several prizes. On two occasions he has won the West

Seventh Day: • Canterbury Match.—Won by Pte. Murphy, , Auckland; aggregate score, 95 points. Leading for the Championship.—Capt. W. S. , King, Linwood, with a margin of 1 point. ' Kynoch Cup.—Won by Rifleman Moselen, ; Kaeo. ' " Pelorus Jack."—Won by the Nelson-Marl- I borough Provincial Districts. Service Aggregate Competition.—Won by • Rifleman M'Leay, Opaki; aggregate score, 198 points. - Champion Team.—Opaki Rifle Club; aggre- , gate score, 662 points. Running-Man Competition.—Won by Pfo. J. '■ G. Black, Orepuki; score, 7hits, 1 bull. Eighth Day: The King's Prize and N.Z. Rifle Championship Belt.—Won by Lieut. Duncan, Millerton; , .aggregate score, 491 points. Runner-up—Corpl. Patrick, Auckland; aggregate score, 490 points. , Rifle Challenge Cup.—Won by Sergt. F. James, for the highest score in the King's Prize ' Match. United Service Match (Volunteers v, Rifle Clubs).—Won by the Rifle Clubs' team; aggrc- , gate score, 1949 points. Logan-Campbell Shield.—Won by Wanganui < Infantry Battalion; aggregate score, 1851 points. " Last Try" Match.—Won by Rifleman Atkins, Pongaroa; aggregate score, 50 points. THE KING'S PRIZE LIST. Open to the fifty highest aggregate scorers in the Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Otago, and Canterbury Matches. The scoro in this match-to be added to theso' scores, and the highest grand aggregate "scorer to become the winner of the King's Prize and the holder of the Ballinger Eifie Champion Belt for 1001). Ten shots each, 1000 yards. Fifty prizes, value .£223, and a New Zealand Eiflo Association badge to each of the twenty-five highest aggregates. First prize: Tho Ballinger Eiflo Champion Belt (won outright by Mr. Arthur Bailinger, Petone Ei/lo Club, and presented by him to the Eiflo Association for competition), gold medal presenled by the Defcnco Minister, gold badge of the association, mid .£SO; second, silver star and N.Z.R.A. Badge and j;25; third, silver star and N.Z.E.A. Badge, and «£2i); fourth, silver star, N.Z.E.A. Badge, and .fcj'2i eight prizes at £b each; thirteen prizes at £2 each and badges; and twenty-five £2 prizes.

1. Lieut. W. Duncan, Millcrton Rifles, Ballinger Belt, gold med.il, gold budge, nrnl .£SO, (451) 3-5544503554—10 491 2. Corp. Patrick, Victoria Rifles, Auckland, silver star, and N.Z.R.A. Badge, and .£25 (451) -1-2431314555-33 490 3. Q.M.S. Shaw (Ohinemuri), Auckland Battalion, silver star, N.Z.E.A. Badge, and .£2O (414) 2—1515511551 —15 489 4. Rifleman A. H. Guy, Kaponga R.C., silvor star, N.Z.E.A. Badge, and ,£l2 I (418) 5-3333514555-40 4SB 5. Corp. M'Connell, Canterbury Engineers, N.Z.R.A. Badge, and .£5 (111) 2-4255555544—44 4SB G. tCapt. W. S. King, Limvood Hides, N.Z.E.A. Badge, and A's (152) 2-4113055550—35 487 7. Eifleman G. Lovoday, Ohnra Eifle Club, N.Z.R.A. Badge, and £b (439) 2-5535555544—46 485 8. Gunner F. W. Ching, Permanent Artillery, Lyttelton, N.Z E.A. Badge, and £h (439) 5-4515544515—15 48-1 9. Kiik'inau A. W. Sopor, Tua Marina R.C., N.Z.E.A. Badge, and .£5 (111) 2-3351155445-42 483 10. Pte. Murphy, Newton Rifles, Auckland, N.Z.E.A. Badge, and £5 (112) 2-5543343535-40 462 11. tCol.-Scrgt. J. W. Ciiing, Waimea Rifles, Nelson, N.Z.E.A. Badge and £■> 17s. Gd (412) 481 12. Lieut. M. N. Atkinson, Auckland Nativo Kifles, N.Z.E.A. Badge, and £2 17s. fid (13S) 2—1555550455-43 481 13. Eifleman Mellar, Petono lliflo Club, badge and £2 (437) 3-2455454555-44 481 14. Sergt. H. Frank, Nelson Rifles, badge and £Z (436) -1—5155541355—i5 -481 15. Pte. S. Mayhew, Manchester Eifles, Fmhliiig, badge and £1 (43G) 4-5445355554—15 481 IC. Ice.-Corpl. D. H. Butcher, Dunedin City Guards, badge and £2 (436) -I—3-1-11555555—45 481 17. Lieut. H. Hawthorn, Civil Service Eifles, badge and £2 (434) 5-355545555—17 481 18. Eifleman G. Halliday, Karori R.C., badge and £2 ... (135) 3—154454-1555—15 4SO 19. Sergt. E. C. Waltis, Waikato M.E., badge and ,£2 ...(433) 5-551 jt 15555-47 4SO 20. Eifleman W. G. Tarr, Karori E.C., badge and «£2... (4il> 0-5035151534-33 479 21. Sergt. W. .T. Clyde, Wakari Eifles, Dunedin, badge and £2 (433) >>—25555J5555—4C 479 22. Sergt. Anderson, Victoria Rifles, Auckland, badge and £2 (433) 0-4555355554—16 479 23. Sergt. F. James, Napior Guards, ~ badge and £2... (431) 3-5555543555—17 478 24. Bugler Soler, Wanganui Eiiles, badge and £2 (431) 3-5455155545-47 478 25. Trooper S. Marenzi, Elcetahnna M.R., badge and .£2... (433) 3-34555554154-44 477 2G. Col.-Sergt. Hadfield, Blenheim Rifles, £2 (442) 2—1351553303-35 477 27. Rifleman W. Winslado, Opaki R.C., £2 (130) 5-5555545115—17 477 28. Sergt. F. Needham, Palmerston North Rifles, £2 (440) 0-3335503545-36 478 29. Eifleman M'ilurray, Taradale E.C., .£2 (435) 5-5541144254-41 470 30. Col.-Sergt. Higgins, Timaru Eifles. .£2 (433) 5-2515543555-43 47fi 31. Lieut. C. J. Hollard, Hutr Valley I?., £2 (433) 3-5114455543-43 476 32. Lieut. A. Nielson, Dannevirke E., .£2 1..... (431) 3-3555455454-45 47C 33. Eifleman D. Eoots, Kaponsa E.C., £2 (433) 5—5453544525—12 - 475

THE CHAMPION. , . . „ . ~ , ■„._,-,. ir.j.T ..j ;„ to be

i Coast District Medal, and is conMderea 10 u= 1 one of tho coolest and most deliberate shots 1 in New Zealand. When firing in the cham- ; pionship yesterday he was perhaps J «» oodoat ■ of any of the competitors at the meetrag. 1 Lieut. Duncan has shot through all the matches j with very little variation. He says that the 3 shot which he missed yesterday in the Championship Match was "loosed off , as steadily as 1 any of his other shots. . He shoots with t orthoptics, and the ordinary standing bar or 1 gridiron sight. Ho is-a non-smoker and almost t a total abstainer.

34. Eifleman J. E. Franklin, Weber 8.C., £i (433) .1-3544455531-42 4<5 35. Corpl. W. Kells, Palmerston North .Kifles, .E2 (432) 0-3355154545-43 475 3G. Pte. J. Frederick, Eoyal R., Marton, j>2 (431) 3-3555445535-44 4/5 37. Capt. J. Searle, Ist Eailway Pioneers, Dunedin, £2 ... (430) 4-4554355554-4o 475 3S. Pte. W. Cox, Victoria Eiiles, Aucklnnd, £Z (431) 4—5035544554 —10 474 39. Sergt. J. Mills, Dunedin City Guards, £2 (428) 5-44553554557-45 473 40. Pte. P. W. llackay, Dunedin Highland Eifles, .£2 "(437) 2—3525252525—3G 473 41. Lieut. D. W. Skelley, D Battery, Wel(434) 0-5044545353-38 472 42. Eifleman F. C. Franklin, Weber, £2 (431) 3-5255435435-41 472 43. Eifleman J. B. Bairstow, Opaki E.C., £2 (431) 2-3550553451—39 470 44. Sergt. F. Yates, Napier Eifles. £2 (430) 0-0435345455-40 470 45. Eifleman E. J. S. Spencer, Shannon 8.C., .£2 (128) 4-3545553315-42 470 4G. Eifleraan W. J. Henry. Opaki E.G., £2 (432) 2—4525534244—38 470 47. tEifleroan J. W. Milroy, Nelson 8.C., £2 (432) 3-5450345443-37 469 48. Col.-Sergt. Beckingham, Timaru Port Guards, £2 (429) 0-5434433444—38 4G7 49. Capt. N. Dodds, Port Chalmers Navals, £2 (437) 2-0002351555-29 4GG 50. Pte. A. Wing, Eoyal Eifles, Marton, £2 (433) 0-00000024455-20 453 Guy and M'Connell tied for fourth place. In tho "shoot-off," fivo shots at the distance, Guy won with 22. M'Connell scored 20. f Ex-champions. THE "BELT" WINNEES. 1 SGl.—Lieutenant Brighton, Auckland. 1862.—Private Holt, Nelson. ISC3.—Lieutenant Owen, Wnnganui. 18(54.—Lieutenant Morse, Nelson. lWu.— No competition. 18C0.—Sergeant Christie, Otago. ISG7.—Sergeant Chisholm, Otago. ISGB.—Sergeant Taylor, Otago. IPG9—No competition. 1870.—I.ieiiU'nant Goldi", Olago. 1871.—Captain Wales, Otago. 1872.—Captain Wales, Otago. , 1873.—Lieutenant Hoskings, Thames. lf-74.—Captain Hamlin, Waiuku Eifles. If.7fi.—LiHitenant Skinner, Auckland. 1878.--Private J. Wileudcs. Clutha. 1877.—Lieutenant Pa.vntcr, Nelson. 1878.—N0 competition. 1870.—Corpora! \V. Ballingor, Wellington. 1880.—Sergeant Okey, Tarannki. JPBI.-Lieutenant Pnvnter, Nelson. 1fi?2.~ Corporal Hutchinson, Dunedin,

lffS.l.—Pergoiint Kennedy. Dunpriin. ISB4 —Private W. Cliurton, Wanganm. JSFs.—Lioutennnt. Luc-is, Thames. H<SB.—.Sergeant Remington. Wnnaanni. ISSr.-Cniitain White, Gordon' Hilles-lSßS.-Hon. Mr.ior Piirnell, N.Z- \oluiilcers. IPSO.-Sergcant Parslow. Auckland. 1890.-P.O. Williams, Wellington "ayaUi. I£Pl.—Private C. Knise, Wanganm Rllles. 1892—Sergeant Doughty, A Battery. 11:93.—Private A. Baiiingcr, Wellington 1?94.-Captain E. K. Smith, Dunedin City 'ISM.-W. E. Baiiingcr, Petono Rifle Club. Wakelyn. Honorary Reserve C'cips, Chri&tchurch. IS97.—Private A. Ballinger, Wellington Guards. 189S.—Private J. M'Gregor, Oamaru Rifles. 189!).—Bandmaster W. S. King, Oamaru. iPOO. —No competitioa J9Ol.—W. H. Nelson, Woodvillo Rifle Club. 1902.-G. Hyde, Opoki Rifle Club. ll»03.—B. .1. King. Onaki Rifle Club. 1904.—Sergeant J. W." Clung, Waimea Rifles. 1905.— W. J. Jlilroy, Nelson Rifle Club. 1908.—Colour-Sergeant R. 11. Irvine, Nelson. 1007. —A. Ballinger, Petone Rifle Club.* 1905.-G. Hyde, Opaki Riflo Club 1909.—Lieutenant Duncan, Millerton. "Belt won outriglit. RIFLE CHALLENGE CUP. Tho Rifle Challenge Cup is a trophy presented to tho highest range-scorer in tho King's Prize Match. Five competitors tied, with 47 points each, and were required to lire fivo shots each at 1000 yards. The result was a win for Sergt. F. James, who scored 23 points (45455). Rifleman Winslade camo second with 20 points, Bugler Soler third with IS points, Lieut. Hawthorn fourth with 17 points, and Sergt. Wallis fifth with 14 points. The Cup was won last year by Col.-Sergt. Cliihg, of kelson, with the score of -10 points. MISCELLANEOUS.The Lce-Enfield rifie, presented by the Minister for Defence for the highest aggregate score in tho Championship series of matches, was awarded to Capt. W. S. King. The Lee-E.'ifield riflo, presented by the Minister for Defence, to the highest aggregate scorer in the match, Volunteers versus Riflo 'Clubs, was awarded to Rifleman Masefield.

SOME OF THE TARGETS. Lieut. Duncan's Target King's Prize Match; 10 shots at 1000 yds.

••|1 I I I) . CoiiiOoiwi—4o. The Runner-up. On Target 18, Corpl. Patrick was doing his best to slip past Duncan,, but his utmost caro could only carry him within one point of a tie. Hβ made a bad beginning with -4—2434344 up to his seventh business shot, and only suc-ceeded-in finding the bull with his last threo shots, finishing with a range score of 39, and an aggregate of 490. ' ■ • Corpl. Patrick's Target. King's Prize Match; 10 shots and sighter at 1000 yds. : . ■

4--243J34555—39. Shaw Shoots Well. Shaw, with the exception of his sigliter—an 1 outer—fired nothing less than inners and bulls I into the target, making , an excellent score of j 45. Had his nggreg ite been 3 points grcator, ho would have beaten Duucan. Q.-M.-S. Shaw's Target. King's Prize Jlaich; 10 shots and sighter at 1000 yd?.

2-4545511554-45. It was close going all through, but no ono passed the Millerton man, and the King's Prize Match for 1909 closed, for the first timo in the history of the championship meetings, with a win for a "West Coaster." PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR! SPEECHES BY LORD PLUNKET, THE PREMIER. AND COLONEL COLLINS. The last stage of the firing for the Championship was witnessed by a large number of visitors from town. His Excellency the Governor (Lord Plunket) motored out with his aide-de-camp, Capt. Shannon. Another car brought the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward), the Attor-ney-General (Hon. Dr. Findlay), and Miss Eileen Ward. The Governor and the other visitors were received by Colonel Collins (Chief Executivo Officer of the Dominion Rifle Association and member of tho Council of Defence), who conducted his Excellency along tho lines. The following members of the Council of Defence were also present:—Colonel A. W. Eobin, C.8., Chief of the General Staff; Colonel R. H. Davies, C.8., Inspector-General of. the Forces; Col.'H. D. Tuscm, Quartermaster-General of the Forces. Other visiting officers were:—Lieut.'Col. liauchop, Officer Commanding the District; Major Lascelles,. Headquarters Staff; Major J. G. Hughes, D.5.0.; Honorary-Capt. Sullivan, Headquarters Staff; Majors Purdy and Brandon; Capts. Seddon, Macdonald, and Corrigan; Lieuts. Bolton and Collins. A denselv-packed crowd witnessed the presentation of the belt and prizes. . REMARKS BY COLONEL' COLLINS. Colonel Collins thanked his Excellency tho Governor for. his presence as the representative) of the King, and expressed regret for the absence of Lady Plunket. Ho also referred appreciatively to tho visit of Sir Joseph Ward and Dr Findlay, and while regretting that Lady Ward was not able to accompany them, ho acknowledged with pleasure tho presence of Miss Ward. The meeting would stand out ■in tho history of New Zealand as one of the most successful that had been held, in respect of His shooting, tho weather, and the entries. Trentham, which was one of the very worst places in New Zealand from the shooting man's point of view, had been on its best behaviour, and tho shooting had been phenomenal. "Possible" after "possible" had been made, to the great gratification of the makers, and though it had meant a good deal of paying out on the part of. tho association, ho was very pleased to do it, as he liked to seo good shooting. The entries totalled 536, and if it had not been for tho present slight depression there would doubtless have been more. The number, however, was a record for New Zealand, and in proportion to population it represented a much larger number of men than England, Australia, or Canada put into the shooting field. England, with her millions,, only witnessed about 2000 competitors at Bisley, while New Zoalond, with only ono million people, had 500 at tho Trentham meeting. This spoke volumes for tho interest of the men of Now Zealand in rifleshooting. SOME INNOVATIONS THIS YEAR. Thero had been sovcral innovations at (his meeting, such as the new service matches, tho surprise targets, which appeared suddenly on tho hillside, tho loop-holes, tho attack match, and the brown target. The Defence Council had asked for those matches, and in doing so had carried out tho wishes of tho Imperial Dcfenco Committee. Tho Homo authorities and others woro against fixed target-shooting, but for his part, speaking from an experience of 30 years, ho still thought that fixed target shooting was necessary. The 530 entrants included 350 volunteers and ISG members of rille clubs. The association placed volunteers and riflemen on an equality, and ho hoped tho riflemen would do their duty by turning out •for training at Easter in large numbers, lliat was all the Council of Defence asked of tnoiu,

anil if Ov did not respond I hey could not expectto receive in tho l.ituro the snmo treatI as the volunteers »l U,eso meetings. J hey ro erring to the interest shown in nllo-shoot-in* and liv his Excellency the Governor, who, osn had fired at Wimbledon in service matches on several occasions, and recognised the importance of ride-shooting. (Applause.)

LORD IUUNKBT'S ADDRESS. Lord Plunkcl. who was heartily applauded on risimV expressed gratiiication at being present ' toclS a veiT pleasing duly, and to hear such an excellent report ol the success of the meeting It was a great disappointment to Lady l'lmikct that she was unable to come, for it was one of the proudest moments ot her lilo when sho was maclo an honorary colonel ol one of the smart New Zealand regiments. Ktlcrnng to Colonel Collins's closing remarks, his Excellency said that he hod himself been a rifleshot—he would not say before some ot those present were bom, but before they had learnt to carry a rifle. lie had the good fortune to bo in tho Harrow Eight, and to shoot with somo of tho best shots of the public schools. Sinco theii he did not know that ho had done anything distinguished in tho way of rilleshooting, but he had attended and shot at a good many meetings. In regard to the new ideas, of which Colonel Collins had spoken, lie would like to say that nearly every important military country in the world had adopted the viow that firing at fixed targets, though not useless, had beeu over-rated. The general opinion now, as ftir as one could ascertain, in Lngland, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and other countries, was' that it into only in preliminary training that firing at fixed targets was valuable. 110 said this with sorrow, because in his experience fixed target snooting was tho Lest part of.a meeting, but, after all. what they had to think of was not their own pleasure,, but what would best fit them to defend their country. (Applause.) Ho was very glad to bo present, and he hoped to come again next year, if he was still in New Zealand, and if they were so kind as to invite him. (Applause.) THE PRIME MINISTER. Sir Joseph Ward tendered his warmest congratulations to Lieut. Duncan on having becoi!io champion of New Zealand. He also expressed sympathy with the runner-up, who had taken his beating capitally, and would doubtless be.encouraged to try again next year. lie also wished to congratulate Lieut. Masefield. who had scored 101 out of a possible 105-a feat which he understood was a record for New Zealand, if not also for a good many other countries. (Applause.) The only thing he could not understand was how Lieut. Dimcan managed to eclipse him: (Laughter.) Ihc importance of good shooting was second t<. nothing that could bo named in connection with the defence of this country. • INTERESTING ANNOUNCEMENT. As a small incentive, he wished to announo. that tho Government would provide ,£350 for the purpose of sending a team to Australia to compete in the Empire Championship Rifle Meeting-next year. (Applause.) Hβ believed that 'when it was known in Great Britain, that New Zealand and other oversea Dominions were to bo represented, the Old Country would not fail to send a team, if they wanted to sliaro with tho younger countries of the Empire in the advancement of riflfi-sbooting as a means of defence. It was hoped that Canada would be represented, and there would, of course, be teams from all parts, of Australia. Jle thought this, added to the success of the present meeting, would create much additional interest in rifle-shreting in this country. He believed the idea of abandoning shooting at the fixed target would never be considered in New Zealand, but they would retain it side by side with shooting at the' running man and other moving targets. In- conclusion, the Premier expressed his appreciation of tho work done by Colonel Collins and his staff, and said he hoped that the colonel, who had so long been identified with rifle-shooting at Trentham and elsewhere, would live long to carry out many other Successful meetings. (Applause.) THE CHAMPION. There was great applause when Lieut. Duncan came forward to receive from the hands of his Excellency the Championship Belt, which was placed round the shoulders of tho winner by Miss Eileen Ward. Three ringing cheers were then given' for the champion. When all tho prizes had been presented, Colonel Collins, in a short speech, thanked his staff, making special mention of the rango officers, the statistical staff, the quartermaster ;ind staff, Captain Foster, who had made the preparations for the meeting, the Permanent Artillery for their smart and accurate marking, and the press". The gathering dispersed after cheers for the Governor and Ministers.

OTHER EVENTS,

VOLUNTEERS AGAINST RIFLE CLUBS. In a dead calm, and a dull, but steady light, the volunteer representative team was defeated by the riflo clubs' team by 31 points, the latter going 7 points better than their victory over the volunteers the year before, when the margin was 21 points. The conditions of (ho contest, which is an annual "honour-and-glory" event, were that each man should fire seven shots at 200, 500, and COO yards. Tho match was raised to the status of an important and signal event by reason of tho wonderful shooting which was done by a number of the men in the rifle clubs. Rifleman W. N. Mascfield, president of the Sounds Club, established a New Zealand record with his aggregate at the three ranges—lol out of a possible 105. His targets are eppended:—

' President TV. N. Jlnsefield, of the Sounds Rifle Club, who put up the fine score of 104 out of a possible 105 points (200, 500. and COO yards) in the United Service Match yesterday, has been n well-known figure at Trentham rifle meetings for five years past. On three occasions lie has been seventh, twelfth, and eighteenth resi.ectivcly in the grand aggrogatu matches, but, until yesterday. Ins shootat the present meeting has not been up to his usual form. He is regarded as one of the champion shots of Marlborough. President Jlaseneld is a New -Zealandcr, 27 years of age, a ncn-smoker, and a total abstainer. "he tccond sensation :n the mo! eh "-.is Hie shooting of the Opalii members ot the rille clubs' team. Pour of the. men of this redoubtable'club, firing at one target, put on 401 points out (if a possible 420. King and Henry totted up 103 each, toast scored 102, Bairstow 101, Hyde 100, and Cameron and TVinsltido 98 each. Capt. \V. S. King, of Limvood, who scored 103 (including two possibles), captained tho Volunteer team, and Rifleman Sfasefield, the rifle clubs' team. The detailed scores were;- CLUBg

Rifleman W. Winsladc, Opnki 33 32 33 03 Rifleman ,T. W. Milroy, Nelson 35 ."it 23 OS Rifleman C. Speck, Stratford 31 35 30 90 Rifleman G. Halliday, Karori 35 30 30 K Rifleman F. C. Franklin, Weber 34 32 29 . 95 Rifleman A. H. Guy. Kaponga 34 31 29 91 Rifleman C. Craw, Linton 31 33 2'J 93 Riflemnn R. Rcnnie, ChristchuiT.li 29 32 30 91 Rifleman W. Tarr, Karori 32 29 29 90 Rifleman A. W. Sopcr.Tua Marina 29 28 31 SG Aggregate score ... Gsl 058 C 37 1919

THE RUNNER-UP. Corp. Patrick, of the Victoria Rifles,. Auckland who was within a point of becoming the 1909 Now Zealand rifle champion, is a native of l'ifeshire, and is now 27 years > of age. He has been shooting since 1903. The first prominent meeting in which ho took part was the Transvaal Riflo Associations Meeting at Johnnnosborg, where he compoted with some ot the finest marksmen in the world, and secured several small prizes. He attended the same nceting the following year with even better success. Later, he competed vn the. great l'ittermaritzburg contest, and there endeavoured to carry off the Natal Cup-the South African equivalent of the Kings Prize at Bisley. The ranges in this event ran from 200 yards to 1000 yards, and Corp. Patrick secured sixth place. After leaving South Ainca he visited Australia, and, at the Empire Meeting of tho New South Wales Rifle Association, ho met the members of the British, Australian, and New Zealand teams, and secured .Cl 5 m prize-money. He then went on to the Victorian Rifle Association Meeting at Melbourne, and scored a great success .as runner-up to \rmourer-Sergt. Lawrence, of the British rifle team in the great Visitors' Match—a 15-shot contest at 1000 yards. Lawrence made Gi out of a possible 75, beating Patrick by one point During the present season he has carried off the North Auckland championship at Whan»arei, ami tied for second place in the Auckland District Championship,' being, however, placed third on the shoot off. At the 19U8 Trentham mec-ting he' was- sixth in' the 'Belt contest, and figured in nearly every prize list. VOLUNTEERS;

THE LOGAN-CAMPBELL SHIELD. The competition for the Battalion Shield presented by Sir John Logan-Campbell, of Aiickr land, was fired in conjunction with the United Sorvice Match, the ranges of the latter hav-

THE THIRD MAN. Q.-M.-S. Shaw, who was third for championship honours, was born, in .Auckland, fortyono yoaiß ago, and has followed riilc shooting for tho past ten years. Ho first, came into prominence as a marksman in 1902, vhcn ho won the Auckland District Medal. He was n member of (ho, New Zealand (earn which visited Bislev in 13 " 5 > alu ' wns soc °nd >" t' lo Mackinnon 'Cup Match, SOO, 900, and 1000 yawls, ten shots, scoring 12G out of a possible 151) points. Xt tho same meeting, Q.-M.-S. Shaw won n place in tho Kolaporo Cup team. Previous to going to lingland, Q.-M.-S. Shaw was seriously injured in nil explosion at Knvangahake, and it was tlionght that he would never handle a rille again. It is interesting to note- that Q.-M.-S. Shnw has gone right through tho present meeting without an outer, and with only one miss. He is a non-smoker and a total abstainer. Sergt. James, who was the highest scorer in tho 1000 yards King's Prize Match, after shooting off a tie with Sergt. M'Connell, is a well-known Napier rifle shot. Ho lias been a consistent marksman for several years, and in :SOS won the Wairarapa District Championshio.

ing been altered from 200, COO, and 800 yards, fo 200, Mfl, nnd Gflfl yard.s in order to save time, and so leave (ho afternoon entirely clear for the King's Prize .Match. This is the first year of competition. Following oro tho results.— 1. Wanganui 1851 points. 2. Otapii 1824 points. 3. Nelson ..' 1698 points. 4. Wellington 1778 point* LAST TRY MATCH. Open to competitors who ' previously liaci dot won n prize of £1 or over. Ten shots cacbj GOO yards. Fifty prizes, value .£SO. Tho following fifty holiest scorers each were awarded prizes of £\:— Rifleman Atkins, Pongaroa 50 Sergt. Bryco, Kailangata 50 Hiiloman Wilkio, U|iper Hutt « Corp. JUellimisli ... « Rifleman Narby, Duvauchellos 48 Pte. Baird, Tiniani 4S Capt. Buschl, Wnimca, 47; Pte. Potter, Dun«lm, 47; P.O. Morrison, Duncilin, 40) Sergt. saner. U'aiimite. 46; Gunner Urquhart, Dunodm, 4G; l'lo. s'ouiib?, Dimcdin, 4(i; Pte. G. P. \ Green Islmid", 40; Plo. Dodd, Welling- ! lp«. !(>;. Rillcinan Stockliouse, KimboUon, 45) ! torn. Armitase, Tarniiaki. 45; Lieut. S. Dollon, : Uellington, 15f Lieut. Jolly, Cromwell, 45; Pte. ; -Marr Uenniston, 45; Rifleman Judd, Karori,. ■«; l'.O. JalVray. Wellington, 45; Serpt. Graimm, Auckland, 41; Sergt. llalpin, l'afmerstoa North, J.'. ; Lieut. Jlartin, Timaru, 44; Pte. Hill, ; laraiiaki, 4-1; Rilleman Algie, Alfredton, 44) i Lieut, Kratclunor, Auckland, 44; Trooper O. Bullivnu, Uawke's Bay, 14; Pto. Harding, Mastertou, U; Rifleman Sutherland, Opaki, 44; Corp. flings. Christchurch, 44; Pte. Harrison, Uanganui, il; Corp. Steele, Waikato, 43; Pte. MCarthy, Auckland, 4'); gergt. Mitchell, AVellingtoii, i 3; Rilleman Biii'jis, Karori, 43; Rifleman R. Randell, Karori, 43; Pte. Garlick, Pahialua, I'J; Pl.e. Bennington, Gernldine, 43; Rifleman SUindidse, Karori, 43; Rifleman Hen- ; derson, Petone, 43; Sergt. Hammond, Blenheim, ' 13; Pte. Cooper, Limvood, 43; Capt. Brown, I Denniston, 12; Pte. Dalton, Wellington, 42 j S,ergl. Moye, Denniston, 42; Gunner Greenfield, I Dunedin, 42; Pte. Robertson, Blenheim, 42 j I Rifleman, Paynter, Remvick, 42; Sergt. Carey, Putea, 42. Counted out—W. P. Henderson, Corp. Fcr- ] gusson, Sergt. Perry, Pte. Wcllwood, Sergt. \ Law; Ri(lenian Greaves, 11. Greensill, W. J, : Greig, Q.M.S. Noonaii. NEW ZEALAND AMMUNITION. I ' NO COMPLAINTS. \ The quality of tho New Zealand mamifao< ! tured ammunition used at tho meeting is shown by tho following telegram which was die- ! patched yesterday afternoon by Colonel It. J. ; Collins, Executive Officer oi' the Defence Rifle i Association, to Mr. C. A. Whitney, manager ■ of tho .Colonial Ammunition Company, Auckland:—. "Heartily congratulate your company on excellent ammunition supplied for tho Dominion Rille Meeting. Brilliant shooting, and record scores made. Universal satisfaction expressed by competitors at accuracy and evenness of cartridges. Nearly 150,000 rounds fired without a single complaint."

THE RUNNING MAN.

AMENDED RESULTS. Tho following is an amended list of tho results of the "Running Man" Competition, Tho original list, published in The Dominion yesterday, was by' tho late arrival of some of the scores issued in ail incouipleto form;— •■ . • ■ Hits. Bulls. i»3f Pto. Black, Oropuki ... 7 1 ■£2 3 6 Scrgt. Yeo, Auckland ... 7 1 £2 3 G Pte. A. E. Tumor, Wellington 7 1 £2 3 6 Licnt. Irvine, Nelson -... 7 1 JC2 3 G Bifleman Eabc, Karori ... 7 1 £2 3 G Ptc. Harding, Blenheim... 7 1 The following were awarded £1 prizes:— Sergt. Wickens, Wellington, 7—o; Capt. Pot. tor, Auckland, 7—o; Rifleman M'Calmont, Opaki, 7—o; Lieut. Nielsen, Daunevirke, 6—3 j Pte. Foster, Timaru, G—l; Pte. M'lver, Auckland, G-1; Sergt. Clyde, Waikari, 6-1; Pte. Murphy, Auckland, β-l; Bifleman Craw, Chorltou, G—l; Sergt. Lang, Wellington, C—flj Kifleman Kenuard, Linton, G—o; Ptc. W. H. Cannon, Gisbome, G—o; Pte. Soronscn, Auckland, G-0; Ptc. Gnzeley, Wellington, G-Oj Rifleman Boleyn, Chorlton, G—o; Rifleman Randeil, Linton, G-0; Sergt. Eytler, Hastings, G—o; Corpl. Slatliewson, Duncdin, 5—2; Gunner . M'Donald, Duncdin, 5—2; Sergt. Breingon, Gisbome, 5—2; Pte. W. E. Boys, Timaru, s—l; Pte. Mugridgc, Palmerston North, s—l; Rifleman M'Lachlan, Potouo, s—l; Rifleman Marshall, Karori, s—l; Rifleman Masefield, Sounds, s—l; Pte. Holdgate, Timaru, s—l; Sergt. Jordan, Blenheim, s—l; Lce.-Corpl. Jordan, Christchurch, s—l; Rifleman Willoughby, Gladstone, s—l; Pte. Crimp, Green Island. 5-1. . ■ . ' PROPOSED CHANGES AT THB RANGE. In bidding farewell to the press representatives after tho conclusion of tho prize-giving ceremony at Trentham yesterday, Colonel Collins said that ho had in view tho extension of tho firing accommodation on tho Seddon Range. By tho time tho next annual meeting eamo round ho hoped ■ to have 75 Rolston targets in position. Thcso would enablo tho long-range contest to bo carried out moro expeditiously. Tho colonel added that tho late Mr. George Humphries, of tho Press Association staff, was, during his life-time, closely identified with tho progress and development of tho New Zealand rifle championship meetings. He paid a very high tribute to the value of tho assistance rendered by the deceased pressman to the furtherance of rifleshooting in the Dominion, especially in the early stases of the development of tho New Zealand Bisley.

200 500 GOO N yds. yds. yds. T'l. President W. N. llascfield, Sounds ... .'•• ••• 35 35 34 101 Rifleman W. J. Henry, • Opaki *> "5 35 1«<> Uinenum K. J. King, Opaki 35 33 35 103 Rifleman Mollor, Petono ... 32 35 35 102 Riflemnn Kcast, Opaki ... 35 34 33 102 Rifleman J. 13. Bairstow, 1U Opaki 31 31 33 101 Riflcmnn G. Lovcday, OlllIlM •■* '" ''" '"' Riflcm-n G. Hyde. Opaki 32 34 34 100 riflemnn J. I?. Franklin, ■We&v 30 35 31 09 Rifleman A. J. Cameron, j OpaJa 31 31 io as i

200 500* COO yds. yds. yds. T'l. Capt. W. S. King, Linwood 35 35 33 103 Lieut. Hawthorne, Wdlimrton "* <" M lu -Sergt. James, Napier ... 31 34 Si 102 35 33 » 102 Ptc. Drummond.Denmston 35 35 Jl l«l SeTS kul C °™ n ' 32 H » 100 Sevgt. Pranks, Nelson ... 3-4 33 30 37 Sergt. Mills. Dunedin ... 33 32 31 9G Col.-Sergt. Hadfield, Kenjiuiiu 30 JJ o- vo Capt. Dodds, P'i Chalmers 30 ,3,1 32 95 Lieut. Hollard, Eutt ... 29 35 31 95 Lieut. Duncan, Millerton 33 31 28 95 Sergt.-Major Hydc.H.B. ... 29 31 34 94 Corpl. ' Patrick, Auckland 30 32 31 93 Lieut. Irvine, Nelson ... 29 34 30 93 Col.-SerRt. Chine, Nelson... 33 28 33 92 Corpl. White, Franklin ... 30. 32 30 92 Q.-M.-S. Shaw, Auckland... 31 32 29 92 Lieut. M. N. Atkinson, Auckland 29 33 29 91 Pte. Mackay, Dunedin ... 30 32 2G 8S Aggregate scores ... 635 656 627 19t8