OPENING OF THE NEW RIFLE RANGE.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1472, 4 November 1878, Page 3

OPENING OF THE NEW RIFLE RANGE.

This range, situated on part of the Cashmere estate, Colombo street south, was formally opened on Saturday last. There wore present—Sir Crcroft and Lady Wilson, Colonel and Mrs Packe, and a largo number of Volunteers and Members of tho Rifle Association. At a few minutes after 10 a.m. those present fell into line, and Mr Appleby, on behalf of the Rifle Association, requested Lady Wilson to fire the first shot on the range. Lady Wilson, in reply, said that it gave her very great pleasure to be present on the occasion, as she took great interest in all military matters, and hoped to be often present at the range and further the interests of the Association ub much as possible. A rifle having been fixod in position at the 200 yards range, Lady Wilson advanced to the firing point, and gently drawing the ribbon attached to the trigger, made a capital bull's-eye on the low right corner. The result was received with a cheer. The rifle having been again loaded, Mrs Packe essayed a shot, and waß rewarded with a like success. Colonel Packe, on behalf of tho Volunteers, then thanked Sir Cracroft Wilson for his kindness in granting a lease of the range. They were all deeply indebted to him for do doing, and he (Colonel Packe) could promise nothing should occur to cau6e Sir Cracroft any annoyance or regret at having granted the use of tho range. Three hearty cheers were then given for Lady Wilson, Mrs Packe, and Sir Cracroft, after which a match was started, the competitors present being equally divided, Mr Appleby choosing a team for Lady Wilson and Sergeant Fox for Mrs Packe, the visitors remaining some time after the match was commenced. The result was in favor of Lady Wilson's team, winning by 7 points. The following is the score: — Lady Wilson's Team. 200 300 400 500 yards, yards, yards, yards. Tl. Chapman ... 15 11 18 14 58 Pavitt -16 13 15 9 53 Marshall ... 15 14 18 12 5!) Mauniug, S. ... 15 11 13 13 52 Francis ... 10 7 16 10 43 Haynian ... 17 14 16 15 62 Mapp 15 7 12 2 36 Appleby ... 18 12 18 15 63 Grand total 426 Mrs Packe's Team. 200 300 400 500 yards, yards, yards, yards. Tl. Campbell ... 14 12 18 7 51 Buckley ... 14 13 18 17 62 Parker ... 15 8 17 12 52 Gunderson ... 17 11 17 15 60 Crossley ... 16 11 15 10 52 Warner ... 15 13 14 11 53 Harry 10 4 13 8 35 Fox 16 15 16 7 54 Grand total 419 Several other matches were fired during the day, a further number of competitors having turned up during the afternoon. A better day could not have been, but the difference of position from the old range, and a Btrong cross wind, gave all the competitors some trouble to find the right spot. After 300 yards, everyone had to aim off the target, as allowance for windage. This rarely occurred on the old range, but it is undoubtedly one of the best tests of a marksman. At the close of the meeting the competitors gave three hearty cheers for Mr Edwards, before the omnibus left, for his kindness in providing for their comfort in the shape of liquids, and all started for town. Another stoppage took place on the road, for Mr Charles Clark, with his well-known hospitality, invited all into his grounds, where refreshments had been provided on a liberal scale. After partaking of the good things, and inspecting the beautifnl grounds around the house, Captain Warner, in a neat speech, thanked Mr Clark for his kindness. That gentleman, in return, said that he should be always glad for any of those then present to call at his house on hot days, before or after shooting. He, himself, had not made much of a score that afternoon, but hoped to be often present on the range, and become a better shot. After giving three hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Clark, all departed for town, highly pleased with the opening day of 1878.