FOXTON RIFLE CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 899, 1 October 1910, Page 3

FOXTON RIFLE CLUB.

SUCCESSFUL MEETING. The meeting convened by Messrs G. H. Stiles and R. McMurray to discuss the advisability of forming a rifle club, was held in the Council Chambers on Thursday night. There was an attendance of about 20, including several members oi the Himatangi Club. Several apologies for absence were also received. Mr Stiles occupied the chair and briefly stated the reason for convening the meeting. It was for those present to decide whether it would be better to re-form the old Foxton Rifle Club or to join the Himatangi Club. At the present time it was difficult to obtain information in regard to the new Defence Regulations, and the conditions on which rifle clubs would be accepted. However, he thought that if a club were formed there would be no difficulty in getting it accepted by the Government. Personally he favoured forming a Foxton Club. Of course if the Government refused to accept the club then they could join Himatangi, but until they knew the position the Defence Department was likely to take up he thought it would be better to get a club of their own. In any case they had the range, and he took it that they would have rifle shooting whether it was as a separate club or affiliated with Himatangi. Mr McMurray said that as a result of the new Defence Regulations there would be a great increase in the number of rifle clubs throughout the Dominion. There was a good deal to be said in support of the proposal to join Himatangi, as at the present time they had some very good shots at Himatangi, and with the addition of the best Foxton men they would be able to muster a particularly good team, fit to compete and hold ts own at Trentham. Of course there was also a lot to be said in favour of having a club of their own, and it was for those present to decide which it should be. It was moved by Mr Perreau, and seconded by Mr W. Bowe, that a rifle club be formed, to be called the Foxton Rifle Club.

There was a good deal of discussion on the motion, which, on being put, was carried, with only one dissentient voice. It was pointed out that, should the Department refuse to accept the Club, Foxton would affiliate with Hiraatangi, all those present signifying their willingness to join the Himatangi Club in such case. Mr McMurray was appointed secretary pro tem. Twenty names of intending members were handed in. Messrs Stiles, McMurray and Walsh were appointed a committee to inspect the local range with power to have all necessary work carried out. The subscription was fixed at 10s for the first year and 5s per annum afterwards. Other minor matters were discussed, and the meeting terminated. Yesterday morning the committee made their inspection oi the range, and found that the mounds were in good order, but the butts and targets required attention, and specifications of what is required are now being drawn up, and the work will be put in hand almost immediately. Mr Perreau has signified his intention of presenting a silver cup for competition, for which the members desire to express their thanks. Mr McMurray is at present busy enrolling members, and from present appearances the Club should be most successful.