N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL PRIZE FIRING.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3029, 11 March 1881, Page 3

N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL PRIZE FIRING.

[by telegbaph]. Nelson, March 11. After the distribution of prizes on Wednesday to the successful competitors, the recipients found that tbe cheques had been made out for less than the amounts to which they were entitled. A good deal of dissatisfaction was expressed at first, but on its being learnt that the amounts were only in part payment, and that each man would receive the balance due to him as soon as the association was in funds the grumbling ceased. The carbine men received 6s 8d in the £1 less than they were entitled to, and the rifleman 4s in the £l.

The members of the association held a meeting yesterday and was numerously attended. It was stated that the executive in Nelson had telegraphed to Wellinton with the view of getting the Bank of New Zealand to grant an overdraft of £100, and that this request not having been acceded to the local executive were compelled to reduce the amounts of the cheques so as to avoid any of them not being met when presented. It was Btated at the meeting tbat the executive had resolved to introduce the Wimbledon style of scoring next year, with bull'seyes 5 points, centres 4, magpies 3, and outers 2, the target to be square, with the inner division circular. It was also understood that the matches would be reduced in number, and longer ranges should be substituted for some of the smaller. It was resolved that at the next competition to strike out the "any member" match, and divide the prize money equally between the rifles and carbines, allowing tbe riflemen to compete with the carbine men ia the carbine matches, and tbe carbine men to compete with the rifles in the rifle matches. Much discussion took place relative to the advisability of asking the Government to supplement the next vote with tbe sum of £800 now given to the various districts for prize shooting. It was further resolved tbat it was advisable that the members of the association should use their influence to obtain an additional grant from the Government. Great dissatisfaction was expressed at the apathy of the Wellington Council in not obtaining further support to the association.

It is stated officially that Turner's (Blenheim) score of 103 out of a possible 112 in the company's challenge match is the highest ever made in New Zealand.