SERVICE SHOOTING.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1069, 7 March 1911, Page 7

SERVICE SHOOTING.

THE RUNNING MAN. "Running Rube," the fugitive targetman, who figures as an item—and a very important item-in the service competitions, was "potied" at by a number ot marksmen yesterday, and was punctured in divers places. An invisible bulls-eye somewhere about his vitals is L much sought after, but seldom hit. Ihe two best "pohi" made at him yestordny were those of Rifleman Hobbs, president of the Eastbourne-Rifle Club, whose seven shots let daylight into "Rube" in seven diflerent places, one of the places being in. a verv vulnerable part of him. Rifle-Presi-tlent Craw, of the Linton Club, made an equally good showing with his seven shots.' Good scores were also ■ made uy Col.-Sergt. Low, of Wellington/ and \\ ebster, of Denniston (six hits with.a bull); Lieut. Hughes, Wanganui, Pte. Lathing, Blenheim, Rtlmn. Tong, Okawa (seven bits); Trooper Marenzi, Eketahuna, Ryder, Hastings (six hits); Clark, Ohine-. muri, and Wagner, Popotunoa (five hits). A Pot at "Rube."

NELSON MATCH. 500 and 800 yards; ten shots at each distance. ••••.• ' 500 800 ' ' yds. yds. T'l. £o, Sgt-Major W. Drummond (VYestport) 50 48 98 £1, Lieut. W. Duncan (Millertori) 47 50 '97 .£4, Sgt. A. Patrick (Auckland) .....49 48 97, £3, Sgt. F. Wickens (D . . , Battery, Wellington) ... 47 49 96 £3, Capt. W. S. King . (Christchurch) 48 48 90 ,£3, Col.-Sgt. S; Small' '(Kaitangata) .....■...:.;.'..'. 45 50 95 .£2, Sgt. F. Kennedy (Na- ' ' • ■ pier) 47 48 95 £2, Pte. Logan (Blenheim) 48 47 95 ■£2, Rflmn. A. Hondcrson (Sounds) 41 50 94 £2, Gunner L. Watt (West- .'.. port) 41 50 94 The following took prizes of £1 each :— Rflmn. W. -K. Williams, Ohura, 46-48— 94; Sgt. O. A. Law, Dannevirke, 46—48 —94; Rflmn. C. Williams, Ohura, 46—48-;-. 91; Capt. W.'II. Cunningham, Wanganui, 46—48—94; Rflmn. J. H. Cheeseinnn, Tua- : Narina, 4G—48—94; Rflmn. E. F. Sandford, Christchurch, 47—47-94; Pte. W. .Cox, Auckland,' 47—47-94; Bandsman V. Swansou, Huahine, 48-4G-94; Sgt. J. H. Purnell, Wanganui, 49—45—94; Rflmn. W. J. Harris, Karori, 43-50-93; Rflmn. M, Jan-is, ■ Taradalc, 41—49-93; Lieut. N. J. Ellingham, Auckland, 44-49-93;' Rflmn. W. H. Moselem, Kaeo, 4G—48—93;.. Rflmn. W. Winslnde, Opaki, 45-48-93;-Rflmn. C. Nix, Featherstou, 4G—47—93; Sgt. L. Hugo, Wellington, 4G-47-93; Rflmn. G. Rutherford, Mauriceville, 46— 47—93; Rflmn. C. Craw, Charlton, 4G—47 —93; Rflmn. J. M'Kenzie, Opaki, 48—45 —93; Rflmn. J. L. Turner, Suburbs, Wei-, lington, 42—50—92; Gunner H. V.'Crox- : ton, Wellington, 42-50-92; Rflmn. Comes, Ohinemuri, 42—50—92; Sgt-Major ' G. Evans, Christchurch, 43-49-92; ' Rflmn. .T. Whiteman, Upper Hutt, 44—48 ■ —92; Rflmn. C. Whiteman, Upper Hutt,

14—48—92; pte. M. Harding, Blenheim, 41—18—92; Pte. P. Martin, Wellington, 4t —48—92 ;• Sgt. F. James, Napier, 45—47— 92; Lieut. A. C. Crimp, Green Island, 45 —47—92; Col.-Sgt. J. W. Ching, Wairaea, 45—47 —92; Q.M.S. W. Facer. Dunedin, 45' -47-92; Pte, W. E.'Boys, Timaru, 46-46-92; Sgt. W. Biel, Linwood, 46-46-92; Pte. E. W. Storkcy, Napier, 46—1G-92; ,Corpl. F. R. Combs, Auckland, 47—45— 92; Pte. W. Blue, Timaru, 47-45-92; Plie. A. M'Lean,. Thames, 47—15-92; Rflmn. R. Stewart, Weber, 47—45—92; Sgt. H. C. Evans, Taranaki, 48-44 —92; Rflmn. 1 H. Williams, Fcatberston, 49-43-92; Rflmn. W. J. 'Feast, Opaki, 41-50-91; Sgt. Mosley, Kaitangata, , 43-4S-91; Pte. S. Saunders, Ohinemuri, 43-48-91; Pte. F. J. Hill,- Taranaki, 45-48-93; -Rflmn. R. Allen, Taradale, 43—18-91; Rflmn. G. G. Grover, Okato, 41-47-91; Sorgt. C. J. Fisher, Wellington, 44—17-91; Rflmn. T. H. Boardman, Pongaroa, 44—47—91; Rflmn. Geo. Tong, Okawa, Pte. S. Clarke. Ohinemuri, 45-46-91; Rflmn. W. A. Mason, Featherston, 45—46—91; Pto. G. Farley, Auckland, 45—16-91]

Captain "\V. J. Welch, Opaki, 45—16—91; Eflmn. H. C. Cheescman, Tua Marina, 45—10—91; Eflmn. W. Judd, Karori, 45— •16—91; Sergt. E. B. Alborough, Nelson, 45—IB—91;■Eflmn. 11. E. Keene. T'ararua, 45—40—91; Eflmn. J. E. Franklin, Weber, 40—45—91 j Sergt. I. Steenson, .Auckland, 16—15-91;' Eflmn.' J. Craw, Linton, •16—15—91; Eflmn. F. Ntedham, Linton, 10—15—91; Etc T. Norriss, Nelson,. 40— 45—91; Eflmn. V. A. Fen'wick, Dimedin, 40—45—91; Eflmn. E. J. Stubbings, Nga-tiav.-a, 47—11—91; Pte. A. L. Humphries, New Plymouth, 48-13-91; Lieut. D. Campbell, Timaru, 41—19—90; Eflmn. G. P. Glacken, Otaki, 41-49-90; Pte. H. V. Thompson, Napier, 41—49—90; Eflmn. W. Buchanan, Waihao Downs, 42—48—90;

Captain Cox, Auckland, 42—48—90; Corpl W. Terston, Wellington, . 43—17-90

Eflmn. H.. F. Ayson, Petone, 43-47-90 Sergt. W. F. Narbcv, Elthara, 43—17-90 Corpl. Brvden, Kaiapoi, 43—47—90 Eflmn. G. L. Clark, Eangitikei, 41—4090.

Thirteen others we're counted out. The following tyros received £1 each:— Pte. Whale, Royal Rifles, 90; Rflmn. F. ,T H. Carrington, Akarana R.C.. 00; Rflmn. W. Oldfield, Rangitikci, 00; LanccCorpl. Hunt, P. and T. Rifles, Wellington, 00; Sergt. C. Watson, Canterbury Highlanders, SO; Fte. B. Ward, Blenheim, 80;° Pte. G. Gane, Blenheim, 80; Pte. J. Harris, Nanier, 89; Scrgt. R. F. Dobson, Wellington," 89; Pte: J. Webster, Denniston, 80. The following took 10s. each:—Rflmn. T). M'Donald, Flag Swamp, 80; Scrgt. Macmorran, Wellington, S9; Pte. W. Cook, Pnlnierston North, 80; Corpl. J. Drennnn. Oamaru, SO; Sergt. .1. W. Nixon, Wellington, 89; Rflmn. G. R. Phillips, Tc Kapu, 80; Pte. ,T. Hunter, Invcrcnrgill. S8; Pte. W. Whyto, Timarii, 88; Rflmn. W. A. Lumsden, Sandon, 88; Pte. Tripe, Blenheim, 88; Pte. G. Hogben, Groymouth. f8; Rflmn. J. V. Shepherd, Rnhotu, 88; Rflmn. W. n. Tiallinger, Petone, 88; Sergt. Drew, Blenheim, 88; foI.-Sergt. Doran. Auckland, 83; Scrgt. R. IT. Daldv, Auckland, 83; Pte. IT. 13. Mackay,'Duncdin, 88; Sergt. .T. C. Nicholls, Dunedin, 88; Sergt. A. Joplin, Wellington, 87; Cornl. F. Henderson, Oreti Ries, 87. Fifte;n others were counted I out.

Record of the Winner. Tho wjnner of the Nelson Match, SergtMayor Drtimmond. of the Westport Garrison Artillery, is a son of an old-time Trentham rifle shot, Colonel Drtimniond. Sergt.-Major Drummond has an excellent record, and has gone down on the mounds at Trentham for the past ten years, during which time he has carried off a number of prizes. He was third in tho competition for the championship belt in

1907, and that same year was selected_ ar mo of the New Zealand team In visi Australia. Ho was unable, however, It nakn the trip. Competing in the Volun eer match- at Trentham in 1903 ho put 01 in Australasian service conditions rccon )f 102, which score has never been Ixmtei inder tho same conditions. Sergt.-Majo: Drummond competed at Bislev in 190 ind 1905, and was a member of the tcan ivhich won the Kolaporo Cup in 190-K hn ;c»re being 92; tho second highest on th< iist. Last year he won the distne nedal at Nelson, with a tally of 91. Hi is leading for tho medal again this year LOOPHOLE COVER MATCH. The Loophole Cover Match was fired a tho same targets as used in tho Moving Target Match. Tho distance, however, ivas SCO yards, and ten shots were allow 2(1. The competitors fell in about fou: paces in the rear of a temporary loop hole cover, and were then ordered by tin range officer to lie'down to load and ad just rifles. All firing had to be througl the loophole, tho targets being expose< at intervals of from four to ten seconds during which time each competitor vx allowed to fire one round. Bringing tlv rifle to .tlie- shoulder before the targe appeared was sufficient to disqualify : competitor. The prizes were as under r£s, Pte. Lakin, Blenheim, .10 hits (fln "bull?"). .S3 10s., Sergt. W. J. Crimp, Green Is land, 10 hits (three "bulls"). X 3 10s., Sergt. W. Kyder, Hastings, H hits (threT "bulls"). , £2 10s., Sergt. H. L. Frank, kelson, H hits (one "bull"). £2 10s., Rflmn. W. G. Lane, Akarana, 1' hits (one "bull"). . . .... £2, Pte. E. \V. Storkey, Napier, 9 hit (fouv "bulls"). „, ~ , , .£2. Eflmn. H. F. Farland, Chnstchurch 9 hits (two "bulls"). n . , .£2, Eflmn. N. F. Willoughby, Glad stone, 9 hits (one "bull"). Prices of £1 oacln-Rflmn. G. Benton Feathorston, ■ and Itflrn. B. I>«{h«e Chiistchurch, ™-h 9 hits; Eflmn Johi M'Kcr.zie. Opaki. 8 hits (four bulls ) Tiflmn. H: C. Cheeseman. Tua Manna Hflran. A. M'Kay, Chorlton each 8 hit (three-"bulls"); Rflmn. W. J. Feast Opaki, 8 hits, (two "bulls"); Minn..A Hyde, Okawa, Etlmn. A. A. Oliver, Kim Country, and Rflmn. W. Banks Kimbol ton, each 8 hits (one "bull"); Elton. P AV. Borrie. Woihao. Downs, 8 hits;. Col. Sergt W. Buschl, Waiinea, 7 hits (foul "bulls"); Eflmn. W. Kandcll. Lmton Eflmn. M'Gowan, Riversdalo, Eflmn. H fiuthbertson, Tua Marina. Pte. W. Whyte timaru, Lieut. H. Lcvy.Westport, Sergt A. .Toplin, "Wellington, each 7 hits (tw< "bulls") " „ „ m Prizes of 19s. each:—Rflmn W. G. Tarr Karori; Eflmn. R H Wilton. Maurice villc; Pte.S. Mnyhew, Feiiding; Pres:.den' ,\ W. Soper, Tua Marina;- Sergt. C. .Top lin, Wellington: Pto. G. Farley, AmVk land; Pte. H. Griees, Pa'.merston North Pte. L. Belk. Feildiug; Pte. T). Parsons Thmcdin: Eflmn. T. G. Chap.naii, East bonrno; Sergt. S. F. Nelson Chnstchurch Each of tho foregoing made 7 hits (on< "null"). , „' . . ttt t Prizes of 10s. each :-Car,tam W. .T Welch. Opaki; Rflmn. T. Lngland, km ori; Eflmn. A. J. Lotham. Akarnnn Lieut Charlton, Popotun-ia; Eflmn. E. F. handford, Christchurch; Lieut. A. T. John vn, Nelson; Rflmh. F. Sunnex, Sounds Trooosr S. Marcnzi, Ekotahunn. Each oi 'the for-ogoin? mad? 7 hits. Eflmn. H TCjK Linton, 0 hits (four "hulls ): Pte T, Eount-ee, A'hburtou, and Corpl. .T ■RpflM'io; Tnnanui,' ponh G hits (Him '1-mlls"!- Trnorier 6. -bittK A'l'iin Pfl" V. A t'emvick. Drnrdin; Eflmn H Vovodav, Ohura. and Lieut C. OWton ■Active List.-ench 0 hits (two "bulls )• . Prize, -f Ss. ePch-Ple. Tolnn. W*v mnrino:'Captain J. SoarK (Wii; P*J A U'PnerVon, Tapani: Jooptf F Triw," Mn-lborou"h; Sergt. Drew. Marl h«TOTrti T,ieut. Cnpstiok, Bruc; Pte .Good-ill. GrcvmoutlK Pte Mauley. On CrPt". Whale, RfHn. W. F. Aston, Karnri; Efln™. «.■*. Glacke,. Fa-tor-Seret. J. TlnnuiU. Tinmrii; Caret F E Cornh'w O'deK Auckland. Each mad© I hits„(oflo ."bull"). .

CANTERBURY MATCH. 'SQOtfar.ds. ;,lp'sHots. Possibloscoroiso.' ,£5 Rifleman G. Hyde, Opaki 50 ,£4 Rflmn. W. H.'Moselem, Kaeo 50 £i Sergt. W. Foster, Timaru « f .£3 Sergt. V:. Baker, Hutt . 49 £3 Col;-Sergt. J. Harrison, WaJC3 Mr 2\ Ul OrX"'iafl%''nanncvirke..;... 49 £2 Sergt J- H. Purnfll, Wanganm... 49 .£2 Rflmn. J. Burns, Karon « £2 Rflmn. G. Halliday, Karon 49 £2 Pte. J. Keith, Dunedin * J : The' following took £1 prizes—He. G. Crimp, .Green Island, 49; E Reardon and Lieut E. Reardon, Auckland, 49; Captain IW. H. Bennington, \Yauganui, 49; J. Frederick, Royal Rifle Reserve, 49; Rifleman G. Howe. Ngatiawa, 49; Captain J. E. Barltrop, Foilding, 49; Rifleman W. DAl'Almont, Opaki, 49; Lieut Hughes, Waiganui, 49; Sergt: H. I. Frank .kelson, 4» ; J. W. Milroy, Nelson, 49; Lieut iV J. Ellington, Auckland, 49; Corpl. W. I'. Mackay, Dunedin, 43; Col.-Sorgt. H. H. Moss, Bluff, 43; Capt' *. F. Wilton, Mauriceville, 48; Tie. E. Flahei■ y, Greymouth, 48; Rifleman H. Cuthbertam, Tua Marina, 48; Sgt-Ma]or W. W. Jlangav Piako, 43; President M. P. Chapman, To Kapu, 48; Pte. J. Webster, Denmston, 43; President W. N. Masefield, Sounds, 48; Pte. R. C. Barkle, Wellington. 43; Pte R. Thyne, Tiiuaru, 48; President W. ' J. Worthington, Kiakiwa, 48; Rifleman R; \. Wilton, Mauriceville, 48; Pte. J. Hunter, luvereaigill, 48; Pte. M. J. Moore, Auckland, 43; Rifleman S. C. Hay, Karon, 48; Rifleman J. Bradley, Duncdm. 48; Rifleman Stanton, Tua Marina, 48;..feergt. Broad, Geraldine, 48; Col.-Scrgt. W. Buschl, Waimea, 48; Rifleman D. Roots, kaponga, 48; Rifleman F. C. Hogg, Wailiao Downs, 48; Rifleman Geo. Toug, Okawa, •18; Pte. G. Farlev, Auckland. 48; Rific- ' man A. France, Karori, 48; Rifleman A» " Jt'Murray,- Taradale. 48; Pte. F. Bendall, ' Auckland, 48; Sergt. n. Simmonds, Pieton. ' 48; Rifleman G. ■ Grant, Taradalc, 47; ,; Corp. W. Clinton, Denuiston, 47; Riflo- !' man W. A. Lumsden, Sandon, 47;

Pte. W. Cook, Palmerston North, 47; Pt<. \V. J. Senior, Coromandel, -17; Ptc. P. W. Keller, Hauraki, 47; Gunuer E. Ballinger, ■Wellington, 17; Corp. J. G. Yellowlees, Kaiapoi, 47; Ptc. Cooper, Linwood, 47; Eineman J. S. Miller, Flag Swamp, 47; Rifleman W. Judtl, Karori, 47; Pte. S. Clarke,' Ohinerauri, 47; Rifleman C. G, Engstrora, Opaki, 47; Sergt. E. H. Fisher, Feuding, 47; Rifleman E, Cresswell, Tua Marina, 47; Rifleman G. I. Clark, Rangitikei, 47;' Trooper G. Mareuzi, Eketahuna, 47; Sergt. F. James, Napier, 47; Corp. J. Low, Civil Servico Rifles, 47; Pte W. E. Boys, Timaru, 47; Pte. E. W. Storkoy, Napier, 47; Pte. F. Crimp, Green Island, 47; Eiflcman Combes, 47; Lieut. W. Duncan, Millerton, 47; Eilleman S. Currie, Oluira, 47; Sergt. MacMorran, P. and T. Rifles, 47; Sergt. A. Dodd, Wellington City Rifles, 47; Corp. Saunders, Geraldine, 47; Pte. C. MoOre, Tapamii, 47- Pte. G. 11. Woollcy, Auckland, Highland Eifles, 47; Sergt. J. Moyc, Denniston, 47; President W. Hobbs, Eastbourne, 47- Cadet I. Cheeseman, Tua Marina, 47; President N. S. Willoughby, Gladstone, 47; Col.-Scrgt. Dalzioll, Palmerston North, 47; Tte. J. Riddles, New Plymouth, 47. Five others were counted out. The following tyros won .£1 each -.—Pte A G. Hill, Timaru, 47; Bugler E. P. Mo«s, Grcvmouth, 47. Scores of dG: Rifleman T. J." Chapman, Eastbourne; Pte. 11, .T Schwaw, Wanganui; Rifleman V. A. Fenwick, Dunedin; Rifleman W. J. Henderson Peton?; Eilleman J. Chatfield Ducauchelles; Rifleman J.Hallam, Shannon- Pte. A. Godfrey, Wanganui; Eilleman J. H. Cheeseman, Tua Marina. Ten shillings prizes:-Pte. C. lerner, Timaru; Pte. P. Gane, Marlborough; Eilleman R. Allen. Taradalo; Corn. W. Perstou, Petoiie N avals; Ptc. H. Inpe, Marlborough; Eiflcman G. Jones. Karori. Each of the foregoing made 46. Scores of .'}• Scr"t Davidson, Wellington; Rifleman, D°. M'Donald, Flag Swamp; Rifleman A. Lewin. Opaki; KM™™. T. H. Grove-! Alfredton: Sergt. W. Biol, Linwood;" Sergt. E. V. Dobsoii Wellington; Bugler R. J. jr'Kenz.e Ashburton; Pte. D. Williams, Oamaru; Rifleman T. S. ]•■ - ' liott, Akarana; Rifleman I. 11. Bonrdmnn Poivaroo; Rifleman K. L'. bimnIT,' Kangitikei; Ptc. Tho,. Cusack, Dei niston; Pte. J. Lunn, Dunedin; Corp. - c Ogden, Linwood. Nino were counted ; out.

"POSSIBLE" PRIZES.

"Possible" prizes of 10s. each were awarded as follow:Nc lson Match: 500 yds., R. J. lung, nnilH- 800vds., Gunner Croxton, Welling-?n??-Col Trgt. Sinaill, Kaitangata; Pte. Oco'r"V, 'bluff; Went- Comes, Ohinemuri; Wflnmin Turner, Wellington; Gunner Wit Westport; Rifleman Feast, Opaki; Rifleman Harris, Karori; Rifleman Henderson, Sounds; Lieut. Duncan, Millertout

Canterbury Match: 800 yds., Rifleman G. Hyde, Opak'i; Kifieman W. H. Moselem, Kaeo. LEADING FOR THE BELT. THE TKENTHAM AGGREGATE. The following are (ho leading aggregates for the championship:— " , Sergt. Frank, Nelson ji'J ltillemau Hay, Karori -!'* Rifleman Mo-seleni, Kaeo ji'' I'te. L. Loveday, Woodvillo -i;J Rifleman Henderson, Sounds »iSergt. Law, Dannevirke -i} Lieut. Duncan, Millerton -i[ Q.M.S. Facer, Dunedin • *L l . Rifleman I'enncy, Sandon *i{ Kifieman Bradley, Dunedin -ij Pte.' Clarke, Oliinemuri -i Rifleman Craw, Linton -'I Col.-Sergt. Smaill, Kaitangala ji' Rifleman Needham, Linton -ij Rifleman G. Hyde, Opaki ji Pte. G. Farley, Auckland -') Col.-Sergt. Moss, Bluff : ' r i Rifleman Cuthbertsou, Tua Manna... Rifleman Cheescman, Tua Marina ... Uj. Rifleman Turner, Wellington '••• 26, Lieut. Humphries, Tarauaki -jj; Gunner Watt, Wc-stport "J' Pte. Storicey, Napier -° Rifleman W. K. Williams, Ohura ... 2b Col.-Sergt. Morgan, Auckland j» Lieut. Comes, Oliinemuri 26 Sergt. Moseiv. Kaitanqata. -" Rifleman C. Williams, Ohura 26 Rifleman M'Murray, Taradale <-° Col.-Sergt. Harrison, Wanganui 26 Sergt. Wickens, Wellington • 26 Rifleman M'Leay, Opaki ;-£ Bombardier Ching. Lyttclton J Rifleman Burns, Karori - Rifleman Roots, Kaponga "j Lieut. Reardon, Auckland 2i Corp. Perston, Auckland 2(

"ONE OF THE BEST." GENERAL GODLET'S OPINION OP TKENTHAM. "I think this is one of the test rifle ranges I have ever seen," was the opinion expressed yesterday to a representative ot The Dominion by ilajor-General A. J. Godley, Commandant of the Now Zealand Forces, when asked for some impressions of his visit. "The general arrangements are very good indeed, and the organisation of the work I think is really excellent," he said. You think, General, that these competitions will be of value to the Forces? "Well," he replied, "I think that a great deal of good can bo done by educating tho public to the fact that Service matches are .the kind of competitions to bo aimed at. Shooting at a black disc on a white ground is only an elementary phase of musketry. We must have tho figure- target, with a natural ground, if wn are to get the best results from rifle practice. What, is wanted is more Service matches, more practice at tho figure targets. I recognise that the association has taken a step in tho right direction in introducing the nguro target in its comnetitions," said tho General, "and this,'"he added in conclusion, is worthy, of further extension. Tho great to be aimed at is tho development of good fire control, and teams matches having that end in view are especially valuable."

IN CANVASTOWN. DOINGS OF DREADFUL NIGHT. TENT HOPES AND TERROR. Really, the residents of Canvastown, a small but thickly populated suburb of Upper llutl, and, in the language of the pushful estate agent, "charmiugly situated within- easy access of tho Trentham railway station," should - take into serious consideration the question of going in "for a. loan wherewith to finance an up-to-date lighting and street improvement scheme. The streets of the, town are ill-paved, in total darkness,, and a menace," if not exactly to human lifo and limb, at least to tho general peace and good order of tho community. Tho journey, from tho outskirts, of-tho town to that popular house of entertainment, the Criterion Picture Show, is an extremely precarious one, only to bo attempted by persons-of. established rectitude. After a man—thev are all men. in Canvastown— has been "resident in the place for two or threo davs ho acquires what tho Scotch call tho ""heather step." In other words, the only safe method of proceeding m tho dark is to walk as if tho ground were covered • with supplejacks, gorso scrub, stinging nettles, or anything else that would cause a man to become for tho nonce a high-stepper. Tho other night a certain man mado up his mind to go to the picture show at tho other end of the town. He never got there, though he could see' tho inviting flaro lamp flaming, far ahead, like a will-o'-the-wisp, and spent half the night attempting to retrace his steps. His troubles began before he had proceeded two yards from his domicile, for a tentpeg caught him by the bootlace, and ho stretched himself with a thud on the ground. Then ho got up, disentangled himself from the-network of tent ropes which had encircled his legs like the

feelers of an octopus, set his course by ;he distant flare, and proceeded gingerly

towards it, forgetting that safety lay. in malting skilful detours round the danger points. All at once tlio. post of a fence rose up. and- smoto him. After a brief speech.all too daring for reproduction, upon tho lighting question and the character of the man who placec l the fence across his track, ho wriggled through between tho wires. Ho bad better have felt his way along to tho gate. Br.t he was not in a reasonable frame- of mind, and when an obliging tent rope, which stretched from a largo marquee out into darkness, tripped him up and pitched him into a gorso bush, ho got mad all through, and made such a long speech that the cook of tho neighbouring restaurant camo out and entreated him to get away from the vicinity of'tho meat safe. "Them blowflies' is bad

'nou'gh," ho remarked, "without you comin' 'ere and makin' more noise." Tho

■nan in the gorso bush replied that th cook had better mind his own business

At least, that is tho effect of what ho said, llaving regard to air the circumstances, tho wayfarer decided to retrace his stens, and spend tho evening extracting tho gorso pricks from his garments. So he felt his way back to tho fence and rested for a space. Presently there emerged from a black mass close by—a marquee—a man who had urgent business on hand. Ho had two minutes to get' to tho telegraph office before closing time. A voice from within tho marquee pursued him. "Hurry up, or you'll miss the bus!" "All ri—whoon!" A tent rouo at tho door deftly tripped him, and ho landed on top of a tent peg. The subsequent proceeding were vastly entertaining to tho mau on the fence, who rejoiced that he was not alono in his misfortune. . By and by—it seemed hours to the man on tho fence—a friendly lamp appeared, and he was granted safe conduct to his abode. "Daylight's good enough for me," he said' to himself, and so saying ho painfully divested himse'f of his prickly garments and crawled into bed. In his sleep lie dreamt that ho was a lost soul, wandering nainfully about in the darkness of a Pface of Dreadful Night, infested with barb-wire entanglements, bush-law-yers, snci-r-grass, and gin-traps.

Tenders are invited by Messrs. Bcero and Greenish, architects, for the erection of a residence and showroom at the gasworks, Taurangn. Messrs. Ross and Glondining, and Messrs. Bing, Harris and Co., invite tenders for the purchase of the drapery and clothing business of Mr. J. J. Liltlejohn, Wanganui, as a going concern. Tho annual meeting of the Oriental Football Club will be held in tho Y.M.C.A. rooms on Wednesday next, March S. Particulars of a horse snlo to bo held at Palmerston North on Saturday next by Messrs. Abraham and Williams, aro advertised in this issue. This evening, in the Assembly Hall of the Y.M.C.A., tho annual meeting of the New Zealand Anti-Opium Association will bo held. At tho Sohvay snle.yards, Masterlon, tomorrow, the A*ssociated Auctioneers will hold a stock sale, commencing at 12.30 o'clock. At their rooms to-morrow, Messrs. A. L. Wilson and Co. will hold an unreserved clearing salo of household furnishings, also an upright grand piano. F'!f tuer particulars concerning this snlo will be found in our advertising columns.