ENCOURAGING RIFLE CLUBS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 1 September 1910, Page 3

ENCOURAGING RIFLE CLUBS.

MORE FREE AMMUNITION

In reply to a deputation ol M.IVs that waited upon him yesterday, regarding rifle clubs, the Prime Minister said ho -had already announced an increase in free ammunition, and he could add that there would be no limit to the quantity. The 120 rounds of tree ammunition would be increased, and personally ho favoured giving IoG or 170 rounds, though he did not want to see extravagance in th matter. He recognised tho impcrtrnco of young men being given stooting practice, and old volunteers being given an »>portunity of keeping themselves fit in case ol emergency. This would be pfrovid'od for. When tho Defence Act came into operation, rifle clubs would be miller the administration or area officers, and the members woulu have a full share of the facilities which existed for military instruction throughout New Zealand This would, lie believed, encMi>rage the movement, and it was desirable to have co-ordination between the rifle clubs and the defence system generally. Regarding th • cost of rilles at present 1110mbt rs of clubs were called upon to pay £H los down, but he proposed tc reduce this to £3 lUs, and allow the amount to be paid in two insti'lments. The rifles were to bo sold at less than cost, and if the payments were spread over too long a period it would be practically impossible to keep control of the matter. The drills which were compulsory for members of riflo clubs woidd be abolished, but they would bo brought under the contiol of the area officers and would n > doubt avail themselves of theii tv'tion. though this would not be compulsory. He was quite sure that the new arrangements regardin' rifle clubs would he appreciated especially by the older members ol vilunteer corps and those who, tl.rough, the age limit, were not able to continue in the Territorials.