EMPIRE SHOOTING

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1930, Page 8

EMPIRE SHOOTING

A RECORD ENTRY

NEW ZEALAND’S POSITION

WELLINGTON, May 10

The report on the competition amongst coys of the British Empire for the King’s Trophy, held in connection with the National Rifle Assoeialion, is now to hand. The competition this year was won v South Africa, with an average scor 'of 82.2 points per head out of a possible of 100. These competitions for miniature rifle shooting have been conducted annually since 1010 by the

"‘ : '"ml Rifle Association with the object df encouraging every boy of British birth between twelve and nineteen years of age to learn how to use a rifle. They were founded by Colonel Raymond W. Fennell, formerly of Soth Africa, by means of whose generous endowment the prize lists medals badges and ammunition grants are annually provided, and who defrays all administrative expenses in connection with their conduct in Great Bri-

nin. The present report deals with the great match for the challenge trophy presented by his Majesty the King in 1925 for competition between teams which shall be as far as possible representative of the full strength of the youth in the Mother Country and each of the great Dominions. Over 10,000 boys shot for this trophy in 1929 in all parts of the Empire. National representative teams of not less than 3000 strong'are selected from the best teams after all units have fired, and there is no limit to the number of boys, or units that may fire in every country. New Zealand shows a most remarkable increase in numbers of nearly PSOO. Her total, 13,147, is the largest number from one Dominion which has over taken part in these competitions. Canada, with an increase of 900 competitors, continues to make excellent

progress, and a welcome revival of interest is also noted in Rhodesia and Tndia. Great Britain, unfortunately has to record a decrease of nearly . ?00, following upon one of 900 during the previous year. South Africa’s falling off (500) in view of the Union’s fine efforts fo the past two years, is less serious, but Australia’s figures are increasingly disappointing. It is interesting to note that the two Dominions, with the smallest white 'populations, South Africa and New Zealand, together furnish considerably more than half of the total entries, 25,000. Canada took second place this year with an average of 82.258. Great Britain was third and New Zealand fourth, the average, 66.49, representing an improvement of 5.6 point per boy on last year.