THE FORTHCOMING RIFLE MEETING.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2065, 6 October 1880, Page 3

THE FORTHCOMING RIFLE MEETING.

In connection with the forthcoming meeting of the Now Zealand Rifle Association, the “New Zealand Times ” is informed that a target on an entirely ■ now plan is proposed to ha adopted. At Wimbledon the celebrated “ Swiss ” targets are used. After many trials and experiments with all kinds of material, it has been found that the most serviceable and economical target is a simple “ screen ” of the required dimensions made of 4 x 1 wooden frame with canvas stretched over it, upon which is a paper covering. The shot strikes and geos through into the butt, thus avoiding all splashes and recoils so dangerous to markers. At the Wimbledon meeting these targets work like a pair of window sashes, the lower being the “dummy,” and covered with a fine wire netting. When a shot is fired and strikes the target, a disc showing where the bullet has struck is hooked on the netting, the “ dummy ” is raised out of the marker’s butt, and the target lowered, when a small square of paper is pasted over the hole. The “dummy” is then lowered, and the target raised ready for another shot. This plan requires an elaborate framework with balance weights, &e. But we think, from the description we now give of the new target, that it bids fair to surpass even the Wimbledon system. The targets are made like the Wimbledon, but are in pairs, attached by a central beam, in fact, like two sails of a windmill. These work on a pivot; when one target is above ground, the others is, of course, below. The method of working is :—When a shot strikes, the marker swings the target round into the trench below ground in which he stands, then points with a disc on the new target where the shot has struck, and covers the shot-hole in the target which is at his feet with a paper patch. Another shot, and the target is again swung round, and repaired, and so on. These pairs of targets are attached by a screw pivot to a post sunk below tho level of the ground, and, should they require changing at any time, the nut of the bolt is unscrewed, and the two targets lifted off and replaced with new ones. The targets thus constructed are simple, light, and efficient, and, above all, in these times of economy, very inexpensive. The credit of this invention is due to Mr Christie, the Government armourer, who is well known at tho prize meetings at Nelson as having had charge of the range and targets on those occasions. A sample target has been erected at Mount Cook depot, where anyone taking an interest in shooting matters can see it.