THE MEN ON THE MOUNDS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1209, 18 August 1911, Page 4

THE MEN ON THE MOUNDS.

FUTURE OF RIFLEMEN. "The standard of military rifle shooting in the Dominion is somewhat behind tho times', but with the promised co-oper-ation of the executive of the Dominion Rifle Association aud of presidents of l'iilo clubs, and the experience that will lune been gained by the Bisley team which has gone Home this year, 1 have no doubt that we shall soon be able to make it mere up-to-date (says General Godley, reporting to Parliament 011 musketry training). I am unable to report yet 00 the adequacy of tho rifle ranges in the Dominiou, but' the matter will have my early attention. Tho Defence Department, in conjunction with tho existing staff of the association, has undertaken its future management. Tho programme for next' year win bo drawn up on up-to-dato lines, and I am glad to be able to report that Colonel Collins who has hitherto been the chief executive officer, has kindly consented to continue ,to assist the Department in that capacity. No expenditure will be incurred by the Department ill connection with the meeting, which will not have a definite military value. It is hoped that all men, after they have completed their Territorial service at tho ago of'twenty-five, or their service in the reserve at tho age of thirty, will join a rille club and remain in it' till (lie age of fifty-fire. By.this moans, a second voluntary reserve will be formed from the rillo clubs, who will undertake, in return for certain concessions granted by the Government', in carry out. an annual course of musketry prescribed by the military authorities, and (0 be cnlkd up for service in time of emergency. Seven thousand new rilles havo been ordered from Ilome and are expected to arrive shortly. These, willi (he number, already in tiw Dominion, make a total of liiU:S2 available for use. Requisitions for imlnance ammunition to maintain the regulation equipment, together with ample provision for two years' practice supply for all guns, have been put forward. Arrangements are being made to complete the reserves of big-gun and small-arm ammunition, as recommended by (.ho Colonial Defence Committee. I have inspected the works of the Colonial Ammunition Company, and am satisfied that (hey nro well organised and can cope with tho immediate requirements of t'he Dominion.