RIFLE CLUBS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1512, 7 August 1912, Page 8

RIFLE CLUBS.

RAILWAY PASS CONCESSIONS. CABINET SYMPATHETIC. A deputation from the Kiflo Club Conference waited on the Minister for Defence (Hon. J. Alien) yesterday, with a request that tho system of granting free railway passes to members of clubs travelling to association nllo meetings, to clul) competitions, awl inter-uiMrict matches, snould be restored. The deputation was introduced, by the Hon. i'. .U. U. i'ishcr, and the lollowiug members of Parliament were present: -Messrs. \V. C. ISueluman (Wainirana), 11. .U'Cnllum (Wiiirnu), aud Ji. J. 11. Okoy (Tnraiiaki). .Mr. i'ishcr said ail rille clubs felt they wore an integral part of the defence forces, and tnej- wanted proper recognition as such. Mr. Buchanan said the clubs were tho remnants of the- volunteer system. Tho men went to great expense to keep themselves efficient with tne rille. They , purchased their own arms and most of the ammunition. All they wanted was the retention of the system of free passes up to 100 miles that had been in force for years past, and which it was now Fought to abolish. He considered it a request that the Government might well accede The deputation explained that, they had met General Godlcy in conference tho previous day, and had agreed to support his scheme for the posting of surplus Territorials to the rifle clubs. Now they in their turn wanted something from the Government. It was a small request. They were not asking for\something new. It was pointed out that, various. line association meetings had been established in various centres.- These meetings wero attended by marksmen from other districts, the Government providing the railway warrants up to a distance of 100 miles. If the free passes were now abolished—as suggested ■by Genertil Godley's scheme—the associations would go out ol existence, as the competitors would not attend. That would mean, a big set-back to rifle shooting in New Zealand, which had become recognised as a national sport. ■ ' In'reply.tho Minister said he was exceedingly "pleased that all rifle, club representatives had met General Godley in the spirit.they had. Parliament-had not yet decided whether General Godley's scheme in regard to posting surplus Territorials to rille clubs would be adopted, "lie had no doubt that when General Godley did recommend the system definitely it would have the Government's careful consideration. There was certainly some difficulty in regard to training the youths remaining after the limit of 30,0110 was reached. He knew that Cabinet was sympathetic in regard to the. desires of rifle clubs as far as railway passes were \concerned up to , the 100 miles limit Ho could not say finalhvwhat would be done until Generiil Godley's report was before him. ■Ho thought: ■thata'vei'.V fine spirit" was shown when the clubs .-wanted; to consider themselves" aii integral part,.of the. defence scheme;'and',if they could'help the Goyernmeiit: they .would be doing a . great work 'for.;the defence csystenj: "Cabinet, I'siiy, is sympathetic,".ho said.in".conclusion, •'"and has -practically decided—l won't say'finally—that the concession. up to 100 miles will.be given." The deputation pointed out that'all concessions would be valueless if tho passes were given with the restriction that (ho meetings for which they would bo available, had to be "approved" ,by the Commandant; then flip 'associations would pass out of. existence, . . . The deputation gave, three .cheers for the Minister and subsequently the delegates wero entertained at Bellamy's by Jfr.-.AV. C. Buc.hanan, whose health was toasted in a most.enthusiastic liianuCr. '