THE KOLAPORE CUP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2137, 20 July 1907, Page 1

THE KOLAPORE CUP.

Tlic Kolaporc Cup. the Blue Riband of the shooting world so tar as colonials are concerned, was instituted by the Rajah of Kolaporc in 1871. The Rajah of Kolaporc was an ardent believer in a nation of marksmen, and ill presenting the trophy made the condition that it should be compete.! for by teams representing the volunteers of the Mother Country and any of her colonies or dependencies, U.e idea, being that this would tend to increase the spirit of impor : t i; ;i.i. The trophy, which consists of ta o silver gilt vase, is valued at £llOO, and i an never ho won right uii|, hut a silver commemorative howl is presented to each member of the winning team as a souvenir. In addition to the tnophy and bowls the team from outside the Mother Country which puts up the. highest score receives £BO in cash. Unlike most of the other competitions of tho National Rifle Association, the conditions of the Kolaporc Clip have never beep altered sipeti Its institution, and they still stand at 200,* 500. and GOO yards for teams of eight men. For several yea rp\ the competition was limited to tho Mother Country. Canada, Guernsey, and India. Canada was successful at the second attempt, and since then has scored eigtli victories and the Mother Country twen-ty-four. An Australian team took part in the competition lor the first time in 1895, when Victoria sent a toaip.'hut only got fourth place. This year has been the first iu which a tie has been registered, the previous match being in 1897. when Victoria beat New Zealand under Colonel Summerville, by 3 points. That was the first year in. which New Zealand competed! her second attempt being in 1902. when she got a much lower place, Australia winning. In 1904 Now Zealand, under Colonel Collins, succeeded in Cfiptm'ipg the Chip, ..but the next team was not so successful. Australia, including Victoria, has three wins to her credit, and Guernsey, which has been a consistent competitor since 1871, has only succeeded once. The present score is a. record, the best previous scorp tyoing 77} by Australia in 1902.