MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 167, 3 February 1914, Page 3

MERCER.

CHAMPION RIFLE SHOT. At the Auckland District Rifle Association's third annual prize meeting on Friday the principal match of the day was the shoot-off for the district championship, carrying with it the Campbell Belt and the Logan Campb3ll medal. Only the 20 highest scorers in the aggregate matches were eligible to shoot for this honour. This year's champion proved to be Private T. L. Lee. of Mercer, of the 16th (Waikato) Regiment, who is only 18 years of age. The shoot-off at 500 yards elicited much interest, 15 contestants presenting themselves. In the rapid fire the champion made 42 out of a possible 50, scoring three bulls, Bix inners, and ore magpie, his time, including loading, being 50 seconds. At the close of the meeting the distribution of trophies and first prize money was made by Lieutenant-Colonel W. G. Braithwaite, U. 5.0., general staff officer of the Auckland district. He congratulated the champion, saying that the letter's remarkable shooting performances had earned the esteem of everyone present at the meeting. He remarked that such superiority could only be the result of unlimited keenness and keeping fit. The handsome belt was then put on the winner, the medal pinned on his tunic, and those present gave him three hearty cheers. Speaking of Thursday's shooting an Auckland paper says:-"Special mention is due to Private T. L. Lee, of the 16th (Waikato) Regiment, who yesterday won eight matches out of a possible eight, beating all the champion shots with the consistency of an experienced rifleman. His success is all the more remarkable when it is remembered that he is merely a lad of 18 years, and until now has been practically unknown in the shooting world. He first handled a rifle only two years ago, and already is considered by many to be a coming champion of the Dominion. Even now, in this class of shooting, it is doubtful whether anyone could be found to beat him. ... He has already an-

nexed the Clark Challenge Cup and is leading in the stand aggregate." It is proposed to hold a grand military and citizens' social in honour of Private Lee, to he held in the Mercer town hall on Thursday evening, February 12th. Particulars will be advertised in the "Times" on Friday.