RIFLE SHOOTING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10295, 2 June 1919, Page 7

RIFLE SHOOTING.

AS A NATIONAL DUTY,

Colonel R. J- Collins. C.M.G.. executive officer of the Domiuiou Rifle AssociaUon. id the .Navals’ Rifie Club *l.s o ai“ bhtcome of the dessoas learnt in the war wo may look for a great revival in the encouragement of rifle shooting. Tho council of the National Rifle Aesooiition of Great Britain , are . already moving in tho matter and seek to know the view's of the Association of the Chelseas’ Dominions with regard; to the onmnisntion and' promotion of rifle shooting. • Whether it -should be regarded as, a national duty, or a national sport is a question asked by the council. The question is not -a difficult cne to answer as proficiency in the use of the rifle is essentially a national duty, seeing that it has primarily as its object the development of skill which. can be turned to good account on the battlefield. It may also be regarded as for ;not only is it a useful sport hut a training for the defence of the country. , . 'The successful meeting held at I ren-t-ham-after a lapse of five years showed that there was still a large number of enthusiasts ready to sacrifice their time and money,-to'take part m their favourite pastime.' While there are many ;■ dividuals w r ho desire to indulge in rifle shooting, and they should bo encourage-:' to do so, there are many others, young men principally, who have no inclination in that direction, but in view of. its military value they should be encouraged by the’ State to make themselves marksmen, so that if at any time the necessity should again arise, New Kaland will be there. Lord Roberts said: “Teach the boys ’to shoot. and, we are providing 80 per, cent, of victory.” In the question of defence w-e must look to tho State to help in the'movement and make it a national duty, as it should .essentially be. If left to individuals it .hocw

nobody's duty or responsibility. It needs to be a national duty founded on a national spirit, that every man must realise the welfare and safety of the Dominion depends on each and all of pur growing manhood becoming experts with the rifle; To tin’s end the State must- put forth all its efforts. There is a groat mass of material available lying ready to: its hands, and the boys of the present time should, he so trained that they may be-, cotne a source from which ,in the future New-Zealand’s defenders, ,if required,may be drawn.