RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 67, 22 March 1901, Page 3

RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

By Telegraph—Press Association. AVanganui, last night. There was lovely weather for tho opening of tho New Zealand Rifle Association mooting at 11 o’clock this morning. Tho number of competitors exceeds the estimate of Colonel Somerville, and tho success of tho meeting is assured, The Mayor addressed the competitors, welcoming them to AVanganui, and the shooting began with tho useless formality of a gun being fired by a lady, Tho handicapping of the rifles will cause discontent, particularly to those using Martinis. The Council decided on tho following handicaps and standards : Seven shots at range, 500, handicap 1, standard 35; 600, 1, 33; 700, 2, 32; 10 shots at range, 500, handicap 1, standard 50; 600, 2, 48 ; 700, 3, 45. Even with this handicap, tho '303 weapons have all tho best of it, as tho ammunition for this gun is of English

manufacture. Among the competitors are the present champion, King, of Oamaru, and the ex-champion, AA r . Ballinger, of AVellington ; Okley, Taranaki; Remington, AAbmganui; AVilliams, AVellington ; Kruse, AVanganui; A. Ballinger, AVellington ; Smith, Dunedin ; AVakelin, Christchurch. Should cither of tho Ballingers or King win the bolt this year, the trophy becomes

his own property, AVellington is regarded as having a strong team, and on his performances at Woodville W. Ballinger is thought to have a great chance for tho belt, but there he did not meet several excellent shots from the North.

There was a light draught of wind across the range this morning. Tho first range in the Nelson Match ooneludcd at lunch. Churton, who won the belt at Auckland in 1884, mado 34, just missing the possible. Lister (Taranaki), A. Ballinger (AVellington), Okley (Nelson) were a point behind, and tho others close up. Churton is using ’303.

Later. —The New Zealand Rifle Association’s annual meeting opened at Putiki range this morning, about 225 men taking part. Tho weather was fine, with a light front wind blowing. Only one match was finished to-day, and that does not count in

the aggregate for tho belt. The following are tho chief prize-takers : Nelsox Match, 200yds, 500yds, and 600yds; seven shots. G. Loveday, AVoodvillc, £7, 97, Lieut. Cox, Auckland, £6, 96. Stephens, Timaru, £5, 96. Moosman, AVanganui, £4, 93. Feast, AVairarapa, £4, 93. Allport, Nelson, £3, 93, McFarlane, Christchurch, £3, 93. Burns, Karori, £2, 92. Best, Kaitangata, £2, 92, Henry, £2, .92. Lester, Christchurch, £2, 92.