OTAGO RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Evening Star, Issue 3991, 9 December 1875, Page 3

OTAGO RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

The twelfth annual prize meeting of the Otago Hifle Association was commenced on the Government range at Anderson’s Bay to-day. In all sixty-four competitors had entered for the five principal matches, and there was. as expected, some capital shooting during the day. The first match was fired by two squads—one at 5 a.nr. and the other at 11 a.m. The weather on both occasions was very good ; the second squad having the benefit of a light baffling wind, while the other fired during a strong wind across the range. This accounts for the second squad taking nearly all the prizes. The ground, however, was in a wretchedly sloppy state owing to the late rains, and around the mounds there was quite a pool of water. The arrangements were not so complete as might have been wished for, but these defects will probably be remedied to-morrow. StaffSergeant Paxton provided dinner f jr those who fired in the afernoon. The following is the result of the Pikst .VI A.TCH ; 200, 500, and 600 yards ; five shots at each range; Wimbledon targets; any position.—First prize, a splendid oleograph, presented by Sargood and Go. ; second do silver cake basket, presented fey Park and Curie; third do., tea and cake service, presented by D. M. Hpedding. Fourth, fifth, and sixth prizes, trophies.

In 1873, the conditions in this match were precisely similar, and the prize-takers were —Robertson. N.D., 47 ; J. Buchanan, W.T., 46; D. Buchanan, W.T., 46; Cowie, No. 2 44 ; Cresgh, No. 1, 44. The shooting this year thus shows a marked improvement, and indeed 51 out of a possible 60 is a score seldom excelled here. There were exceptions, however, and one competitor, who only fired “for amusement,” registered nine consecutive misses. Hergt. Macartney made five successive bull’seyes at 500 yards, but unfortunately the first shot was a sighting one. Ties were decided by the highest scores at the longest range. At about 2 30 p.m. the Volunteers mustered on the ground, and were formed into line by Lieut. Wilson, T.C.N.8,, to receive the Mayor and Mayoress, who, on coming on to the ground, were met by three hearty cheers from the riflemen. The Mayoress having opened the second match, and scored a bull’s-eye, addressed the men as follows :—“ It ia to be hoped that the season now commenced may be the means of stimulating our Volunteers to a spirit of emulation greater than ever to become maiksmen. At the same time it is devoutly to be wished that the only targets may be similar ones to those now before them for practice, and that education, progress, and civilisation may prove that the method of arbitration, as propounded by Mr Richards, member of the House of Commons, and others, is by far the most desirable way of settling difficulties. Still Jet men and women study to defend themselves morally and physically, and, though no amazon, I wish every success to the shooting matches. I have now great pleasure in declaring the season open.” Captain Stavely replied that he had great pleasure in returning the sincere thanks of the Association to the Mayoress for the manner in which she had opened Jjthe matches, and he hoped Jit would not be the last occasion of her doin" sa He was quite certain that the riflemen and Volunteers before her represented the choice of Otago. The Mayor called ior three cheers for the Volunteers, and the Mayoress again assured the men that she appreciated the honor conferred on her, and acknowledged the pleasure it gave her to be present. It is doubtful whether the second match will be finished.to-night, as there are four ranges, and fully sixty men to fire over them.

200 500 600 yds. yds. yds. TI. Adam, Art 33344 43434 42442 — 51 Curie, Art 43333 34343 23444 — 50 M‘Laren, S.D.R, 43332 34313 34343 — 49 Small. Clutha 23443 33433 43343 — 49 Frederick, N.D.li 33434 44344 33033 — 48 Blackie, Clutha.... ..44433 34333 33043 — 47 Stewart, No. 1 .... .32343 43244 33233 — 45 Jamieson, D.N.B. .42334 ■33424 33233 — 46 Macartney, Porto. .33334 44442 03333 Seaton, Porto .43434 42343 02424 — 46