RIFLEMEN'S GRIEVANCES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1344, 23 January 1912, Page 5

RIFLEMEN'S GRIEVANCES.

SMALL STORM AT AUCKLAND, (By Telegraph--Press Association.! Auckland, January 22. The Defence Department's scheme of forming district or group rifle associations in the military districts throughout New Zealand has not appeared in a favourable light to a number of riflemen in Auckland. Government 'control of championship meetings has frequently - been objected to, and the Auckland Rilie Association has refused to affiliate with the 1 Auckland District liiflo Association which was recently formed by- the de- ■ fcnco authorities. . Captain Shepherd (chairman of tho, Management Council of tho Auckland Riile Association) who was interviewed by a "lierald" reporter, is one of those who are strongly opposed to tho scheme. . Tho whole of the expenses for shooting matches were, he said, provided by the competitors themselves, and the only things asked from the Government- wero railway passes. "We cannot seo why any Government- or tiny body should say how wn aro to spend our own money, especially wlrcil the Government does so little. It gives tho men, for class-firing, 100 rounds of ammunition n year, and 100 rounds a year is no earthly U-se to a man who desires to make himself a first-class Shot." The objectors cannot sec nuv valid reason for the Government to run prize meetings for which tho men subscribo the pm.e-moncy." AVheii colonel G. C. B. Wolfe (officer commanding the 'Auckland military district) was asked for an expression of opinion, he said that ho would prefer not to discuss it at present, as General Godley would arrive in Auckland .'in a few" days, and might wish that nny official announcement should come from him- , self.