RIFLE CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2480, 14 September 1922, Page 2

RIFLE CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting: of the Foxton Defence Rifle Club was held in the Manawatu Herald office on Tuesday night. There was a very good attendance of members present and Mr Head (president) occuppied the chair. DONATIONS. Mr S. Hartley reported that, lie had made inquiries into the funds and trophy of the now defunct Himatangi Rifle Club with the result that he had managed to secure half of the funds still in hand, £3 9d, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition for the Foxton club. —A vote of thanks was passed to the expresident of the Himatangi club, Mr H, G. Hammond 1 , and to Mr S. Hartley for his work in the matter. Mr Head reported that the Borough Council had made the club a donation of £lO. — Decided to write and thank the Council. Several other members of the club volunteered donations. ANNUAL REPORT. The secretary reported as follows on the past season’s shooting:— “Our shooting season for the year just ended began on October Ist, 1921, wfith ithe usual teams match, and finished on April Ist, 1922. Although shorter and not so successful, perhaps, as some pastseasons, I think we should be thankful that, in spite of very adverse circumstances, and a general shortage of money, we had a number of good prizes to compete for and have pulled through with a credit balance.

“During the season we held two sweepstakes, ten trophy shoots for a medal and trophies aggregating about £0 value and also first annual competition for the rose bowl "presented by Mr H. J. Claris. On November 2(ith wo fired a match with Linton Rifle Club and were beaten by only 14 points. On February 18th we competed for the Field .Shield at Hautere Cross, being again unsuccessful, and I regret to >ay we found it impossible to go down again for the Fresh Food and Toe Cup shoot. The club was represented at Wanganui North Island Championship meeting in December by Messrs Head and Hamer, and at the N.Z. Championship meeting at Greytown in February by Mr H. Frank la ml. The attendance:* at shoots were fairly good on the average, but fell away disappointingly towards the end of the season. I respectfully urge those members who are faulty in this respect to do their utmost to i!tend c.cry Saturday when possible, or help make up a Wednesday -hoot, as ii is not only disheartening to others who are regular shots, but the club loses money though insufficient marker's fees to pay cost of marker.

During the past year, five new members joined the club —Messrs N. E. Hughes, F. Burrell, J. Shaw, A. E. Admore and 1L Hornblow. We regret very much the departure early this year of Mr H. McKegney, vice-president and one of our best shots. We have at present an active membership of fifteen. I have lo report a credit balance at the bank of £2 11s sd, being general account £2 10s 4d, dance fund account Is Id. I need not sav that the financial position as above is very unsatisfactory. It has been brought about partly by poor attendances at the range, partly by the general financial depression, but chiefly bv the fact that a sum of" £S 4s is owing to the club. As a consequence of these losses, we were compelled to draw on our dance fund account to the extent of £lO at the beginning of last season to meet the trophies account, and of course this sum cannot yet l»e repaid. Inasmuch as it is absolutely necessary this year to carry out certain long-overdue repairs, and additions on the range, the problem of increasing our funds needs immediate consideration. Our facilities for shooting are far too inadequate to get good results or to give enjoyable sport to any members. much less to those who are continually handling the targets and appliances. In conclusion, 1 feel sure that, if all members will co-operate with their ollieers in maintaining the range in good condition, attending the shoots as regularly as possible—prize or no prize—and taking a keen, live interest in. the affairs of the club, we shall have another suc- < essful and enjoyable season.” The president (Mr S. Head) said ibat it rested with the club members whether the coming season was successful or. not. He was confident however, that it would be u very satisfactory one. A new shed would be erected early in the season. VATIOVAI. RIFLE ASSOCIATION. It was unanimously decided to support the formation of a National Uille Association. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following were elected to the various positions:— Patron, Mr F. Robinson; President Mr S. Head; Vice-presidents: Messrs Hartley, C. Rand, H. Hamer, A. E. Admore; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr H. Frankland; Auditor, Mr F. D, Whibley; Committee: Messrs Walsh, W. Symons, president, vice presidents and secretary. HANDICAPPING. Decided that all the standards be raised to 47 at all ranges. SEASON TO COMMENCE SATSATURDAY WEEK. Decided to open the range on Saturday, September 23rd., when a full attendance of members is requested. NEW MEMBERS. Messrs Melver and son and Phil-

lips were elected members of the club. TROPHY WINNERS. President's Trophy, Mr C. Rand; second prize, Mr W. Symons; Mrs Parlies’ Trophy, Mr N. E. Hughes; Claris Bowl, Mr H. Hamer; Melver Medal, Mr W. Symons. Other trophy winners were Messrs G. Cull, and H, Frankland. Votes of thanks were moved to the president, secretary and Mr G. Walsh.