NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2197, 11 March 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

[peeks association tbikgeam.] NELSON, March 10. After the distribution ot prizes yesterday to successful members at the Rifle Association meeting, the recipients of cheques for prizes won in the association matches found that tho same had been made out for less than the amounts to which they were entitled. A good deal of dissatisfaction was expressed at first, but on its being learnt that the association only looked upon the amounts already paid as part payment, and that each man would receive tho balance due to him as soon as the association was in funds, the grumbling ceased. The carbine men received 6s 8i in the £ less than they wore entitled to, and the riflemen 4s in the £ lees. The members of the association held a meeting to-day, at which a large number attended. It was slated that the executive in Nelson had telegraphed to Wellington with the view of getting the Bank of Now Zealand to grant an overdraft of £IOO, and that tho request not being acceded to, compelled the local executive to reduce the amounts of the cheques to avoid any not being met. It was stated at the meeting that the Executive had resolved to introduce the Wimbledon style of scoring next year with bull’s eyes, 5 points ; centres, 4 ; magpies, 3 ; and outers, 2 ; the targets to be square, with the inner divisions circular. It was also understood that the matches would be reduced in number, and longer ranges would be substituted for some of the shorter. It was resolved — 11 That this meeting is much pleased to hear that it has been determined at the next competition to strike out the ‘ any member ’ matches and divide the prize money equally between rifles and carbines allowing riflemen to compete with carbines in the carbine matches, and carbine men in the rifle matches.” Much discussion took place relative to the advisability of asking the Government to supplement tho next vote with the sum of £BOO now given to the various districts for prize shooting. It was further resolved that it is advisable that members of the association use their influence to obtain an additional grant from the Government, Great dissatisfaction was expressed at the apathy of the Wellington Council in not obtaining further support to the association. It is stated officially, that Turner’s (Blenheim) score of 103 out of a possible 112 in the Company’s Challenge Match, is the highest ever made in New Zealand.