INTERNATIONAL RIFLE MATCH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4153, 13 July 1874, Page 3

INTERNATIONAL RIFLE MATCH.

Mr. J. W. Walker of the Thames, hag addressed to Captain Goldie, of Port Chalmers, a letter on the subject of the International Bine Match, which is thus published by the Daily Times: — "In the Australasian dated 23rd May, you will see a report of proceedings at a meeting in Sydney of the New South Wales Rifle Association, at which the question of sending a combined team to Wimbledon in 1875 was discussed. "By last mail from Victoria I have enquiries from private shooting friends who are anxious to ascertain if New Zealand has any ambition in that direction, and if so, how much? "We of New Zealand are such a scattered community, having no one place of any great size with a strong Rifle Association or Club attached, that my friends over' the way are at a loss who or where to write to officially. I have sent to say that if they deal with the Dunedin and Thames Associations these in their turn will consult the kindred institutions elsewhere in the two Islands. Meantime, pending receipt of anything official, pray see Messrs. Wales, Christie, and your other enthusiastic shooters, and ascertain their viewa.

" I think the Sydney men at their conference pointed to a small-bore competition international, but I see no reason why the team should not use both weapons in any open matches. However, in this the Australians will guide us, and they' will not. overlook anything in our favor. "My opinion is that Victorian and New South Welsh Volunteers have pluck, men, and money enough to carry the matter through without the co-operation of New Zealand ; but I think you, and we here also, would not like to have our Bhare of this part of the group left out in the cold on such an occasion.

"Will you kindly consult with all concerned (and who in New Zealand is not concorned?), and let me hear from you on the subject ?" The Times, in introducing the letter, remarks : "We are sure that every New Zealand Volunteer who has the interests of his country at heart will share the sentiments expressed by Mr. Walker, upon the unseemliness of New Zealand being 'left out in the cold' on Buch an occasion as that of an international rifle match. She is an integral part of the great British Empire, and no less than Victoria and New South Waleß should be abundantly represented at Wimbledon when the time comes. We hope that the question will be warmly espoused by Otago riflemen, and that marksmen willing and able to carry the Colonial colors to the fore will be selected to constitute part of a team to represent the Colony at the Tir Federal on British ground."