Rifle Shooting.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1923, Page 3

Rifle Shooting.

ASSOCIATION MEETING OPENS. 1 BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION'] TRENT HAM, -March I.

The first meeting of the newly constituted National T?ifie Association of New Zealand opened at Trentlnim this morning. The weather overnight was showery and the morning broke dull, with lowering clouds threatening further rain, while a cold southerly made a marked contrast with the torrid heat often experienced here at this time of the year. The list of entries is not complete, and is expected to reach close on three hundred, which is less than anticipated when the programme was drafted. Two years ago. at the last meeting under the Dominion Rifle Association 41ft men competed. Among those on the range to-day are practically all the recent Kings prizemen, as well as others who have been running hard for years to reach he champion’s chair. The men paraded before nine and were addiessed by Col. Collins (President, of the. Association) who detailed how the D.H.A. was abandoned owing to the Government having to prime expenditure, and how rifle enthusiasts thereupon decided to run a meeting of their own. This meant that the men must dip a hit deeper into their own Dockets, hut the sport was worth it and by making ibis meeting a, success, the future of the Association would he assured. The Government although unable to make r. monetary gran! had lent valuable aid in the matter of railway fares, ammunition. and range accommodation. Col Collins regretted there were not more young shots present and stressed the need of every man being a recruiting agent for the Association. Mr H. Coombes (sporting editor of the Sydney Referee I who is a competitor addressed the gathering expressing thanks for the personal welcome and giving a message of goodwill from the Australian riflemen, who would have been represented by a strong team, but for the fact that the big Omvmdnwealth rifle (meeting clashed with this. “AYc recognised it was no use bringing any but a team of champions here”, concluded Afr Coombs amidst laughter and applause. Colonel Hughes (chief executive officer) addressed the men on the work to be done.

A start was then made with D series the first event being one stage of the Anzae match ten shots at 300 yds. may he regarded as a preparatory shoot for Tyros, with profit to the leaders. In the afternoon, individual service shooting will commence.