RICOCHETS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 758, 5 March 1910, Page 12

RICOCHETS.

NEWS, NOTES AND SIDELIGHTS, A bootmaker with :t genius for deduction might spend n joyful day or two at, the mounds. Tho average rifle-shot, viewed from the rear, insists that one shall observe the soles of his boots. The frantic struggle of a chootist to wriggle into tho earth still leaves his boots above'

Guards won the shield, Private S. Head leading tho; total of 458 : with , 95. last year the shield went to tho Opalri Rille Club; when of a total of 476, E. J. King put up 100 and A. J. Cameron 97.. All told, tho approximate number of men in camp yesterday was 771, according to a return prepared by Captain Mabin, quarter-master. The total is made up as follows Executive officers and range officers, 20; quarter-masters and clerical .staff, 9; post and telegraph staff, 3; press etc., 18; competitors—officers, 70; men, 500; Australians, 20; Permanent Force, 95; cooks,, waiters, etc.,'3o. It is understood that when .the extension of the Seddon Range'.is completed next year, an arrangement will be made by tho Dominion Rifle Association for tho institution of a new series of matches, so as to cater for junior rifle shots •ind old hands who havo _ not been prizewinners for somo considerable time past. It is stated that a new class, which will probably bo known as the "B' J series, will, if possible, be added to tho championship programme. " Teep-holes' have given a new lease of lifo to some of the old shots," remarked •one of the range officers yesterday, pointing to a number of grizzled veterans who had donned their full war-paint for the big meeting. Veterans are numerous at tho gathering and another striking feature is the number of youthful competitors. Camp routine; Tho "Rouse" call sounds at 5.30 a.m. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m., and the order to "fall in" is given to competitors at 7.30. Firing commences at 8 a.m., and continues to 11.45, when dinner commences. Firing is begun again at 1 p.m., and lasts until tea-time, 5.30 p.m. "First Post" is sounded at 0.30 p.m.; "Last Post" at 10 p.m.; and "Lights Out" at 10.30 p.m.

Newspaper men are being hospitably treated at tho camp, much to their comfort and satisfaction. A roomy marquee, with. much whito tablc-spaco (which already has many pencil hieroglyphics) has been erected, and the sleeping-tents aro well placed and pitchcd. Air informal function was held there on Ihursday night by "one volunteer and twelve press-men." Mr. Eastwood presided, and Mr. G. P. Brown was the guest. Teetotalism necessarily prevailed, and tho cordiality needed no other stimulant than personal interest. Mr. Brown has for many meetings .worked foT his paper at 'i'rentham, and bocauso he is leaving lor other fields the men met to say they were sorry. Mr. Eastwood defined Mr. Browns important place in Wellington journalism, and. hoped good things for his future in tho Manawatu. Mr. Brown showed that it was liard to part, but hoped for many reunions. Lacking instrumental accompaniment, tho little gathering broke out into a vocal programme, and some men told,stories. Mr. Brown is at I'rentham this year more as a competitor than a competitor's chronicler. Ex-champion George Hyde, of the Opaki Riflo Club, has presented a very handsome piece of furniture in which to chair tho champion next Imday. _ ilie chair is of New Zealand timber-rimu-finely polished and has pairs of handles fore and aft to enable the champion to be easily earned. Attached to the. back of the chair is a silver plate, bearing the inscription:— Champion's Chair, Presented to tho Dominion Rifle Association by Ex-Champion G. Hyde, 11)10. Durin" vestnrday's shooting the markins; was challenged 58 times. Of tho total challenges 21 were sustained. Marking on the "landscape" targets is very duficult, and it is unlikely that so many challenges will bo necessary lionceiorward. _______