RIFLE SHOOTING.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1502, 9 December 1878, Page 3

RIFLE SHOOTING.

By Marksman. Our volunteers and civilian members of the Rifle Association have made matters lively at the range during the past week. Theartillerymen had their first competition for Hie small boro rifle, presented by Captain Craig, which is to be won twice before becoming the absolute prop Tty of any competitor. That old veteran, Quartermaster-Sergeant Fox, scored ono more to bis many previous wins, and will, I anticipate, become the owner of this capital prize. I. am aware that many arc averse to this system of winning prizes, but it equalise

tho chances of all by compelling a second or third win. It is disheartening for medium shots to fire against the cracks unless some little advantage is conceded, and by extending tho competition to several matches a fair shot obtains a bettor chance of scoring a win. In ordinary matches the first four or five highest scorers may, as a rule, be spotted, and unless some system of handicapping bo introduced into most matches tho younger members will not bo induced to enter tho contest. Where a youngster is to fire on equal terms with the veterans, ho can scarcely be expected to accept tho position. The terms for the handsome and valuable cup presented by Messrs Petersen give all a a chance. Any member who may have scored one win must, to secure the absolute possesion of the cup, make a score of 5 points ahead of any non-winner. This system brings all down to a common level, and will, I hope, induce a largo competition. Tho City Guards have fired two matches, confined to company members only. There seems to be but little rivalry amongst the several volunteer companies, or we should hear of more company matches. If such matches arc got up during tho present season, I would suggest that the number of competitors bo fifteen at least on each side. This number would include a lot of young shots, to whom the commanding officers should give every encouragement. Firing matches with distant volunteer companies, each on its own range, is a very absurd idea. The contest cannot bo equal, as the condition of atmosphere, weather, wind, &c., cannot be bargained for. I hope our volunteers will show a liberal spirit this year, and invito any of the southern companies within railway communication to a contest on our range.

The event of the coming week is the interprovincial match with Otago. The team will meet at Warner’s Hotel this evening, at 8 p.m., for final discussion of things in general and to appoint a captain. All will regret that Cameron, Hunter, and one or two other names are nob in tho list, as the strength of our team is considerably weakened thereby. The match happens at a time when thoaeengaged in farming pursuits are busy. However, lam sure that eacli man will render a good account of himself, and I venture to say that the finish will bo a close one—indeed it may be a wide one, and that in our favor. A team of fifteen can bo got together here able to hold its own against any similar number in the colony, but unfortunately such men men cannot leave together on a visit. On the return match with Otago I hope that two matches will be fired each year. Wo shall bo able to send our full force into the field, and if we do not surprise the Otagoniaus this time, we will then. Tho men leave by first train on Tuesday morning, and have, I hear, made arrangements for packing cases to bring up the prize trophies from the South.