HALCOMBE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8738, 12 February 1907, Page 4

HALCOMBE.

(From Oar Own Correspondent.) " Members of tho I‘tabombc Athletic Club met on tbo 7th i.«t. to receive the Secretary’s report ana balance sheet j The latter showed the substantial credit of £l2 3s'9Sd. It >vas recognised by those present that, tl «s gratifying ‘result was mainly due to the exertions / of Mr "Williamson, and it w’as resolved 1 to present him with a suitable souvenir I to mark the Club’s appreciation of his valuable services. The President, Mr Morrison, was deputed to select and present the memento. Special votes ot thanks were also accorded to Messrs J. Collingwood and O. C. Pleasants, who so efficiently performed the duties of handicappers. The items contained in the balance-sheet showed clearly that without extraneous aid, such as members’ subscriptions £2l ss, cash donations £6 Cs, concert and bail *iU 18s 7d, there would have been a ■ large deficit, and that here, as in other places, it is now extremely difficult

without such help to make both ends ot the tape meet. The question of pro- j j tecting and improving the sports ground ) | was discussed, and Messrs Paskie, ; Stracham and Burcham were appointed Ito inspect the road fence and report e upon repairing or renewing same to a meeting of members to be held at Air I Marston’s on Saturday, the 16th mst, Sergt,-Major Dovey will inspect ou* Rifle Corps and range on the 27th instant at 3 p.m. In connection with this inspection it is proposed to continue tho shooting competitions on that day, commencing at 9.30 a.m. _ I notice that Queen Alexandra is helping the young idea to shoot; and it appears that the erection of miniature rifle’ ranges will become gsnera.l | throughout the Old Country. With I reference to this movement, it is 1 interesting to learn that a new practice

rille has been invented, which is known as the ‘ sub target rifle,” and of which . / the expert, Colonel Maxee, writes ' enthusiastically. With this rifle shooting is taught without the use ot ; cartridges. A sensitive pointer traces • on a small paper target every motion pi f-lie rifle ■whilst it is in the act or ; being aimed by the pupil at an oral- ; I nary target. When bo pulls the ; trigger the pointer’, aetuatod by electricity, instantaneously punches a small hole in the small paper target (called the sub-target), end thus mdi-j cates the exact spot where a bullet would have struck the real target aimed at by the pupil. The act of reloading readjusts the whole machine for the next shot. From the moment the marksman takes the rifle in his hand until he anally releases the trigger each movement is distinctly reproduced by the pointer, and any fault which might influence the flight lof the bullet is plainly visible. The process is quite simple and easy, jet I there is no danger. The apparatus I costs £SO and it can be fitted up for use in any room 30lt. long. By the aid of this new rifle boys can bp taught to shoot accurately without . haying burnt powder. As a prepara- ! tory step I can understand that such j training would be admirable, but experience proves that there is a lot more needed to make a good shot than merely holding the rifle steady, and that those difficulties can only be overcome by practise with the service gun at the different distances in the open and under the varying conditions of wind and light. All who have the interests of the children and the country’s interest at heart will, I think, cordially approve the recommendation- of the school inspectors to raise the standard of school exemption to the VI. instead of the V., as at present. Those who regard their youngsters as working assets, to be used to keep and stock the house as soon or before they are physically fit, will no doubt kick against this proposed interference with [ the liberty of the subject “ to do .as I (like with my own.” Many of us who were “ lying back ” for the Fcilding Show preferred that i recumbent position to a day’s outing lin such weather as prevailed on People’s Day. Nevertheless, our ■ j people were well represented at the 1 j attractive exhibition, and scores of S them returned with their full share of f mud and water. I “ Are you going to the Christchurch : Exhibition ?” is now the question of | the day. Every inducement is offered ; there is much to attract and interest ■ you. I am aware of it. Among the j thousand and one things not listed as | attractions, but which will interest all | .students of canine sagacitjr, is that j knowing eollje dog exhibit, who, furnished with a kitten, a kennel, and a soup plate, thus proceeds to business. He carefully puts pussy beside the empty plate and himself inside his house and there waits for the good the gods or the visitors provide. As soon as the tit bits are placed in the piata the dog jumps out, and with his mate consumes them. He thou puts puss i in her position, retires barking to his kennel, and patiently waits for further contributions to the plate. The announcement contained in your Exhibition notes on Saturday that a monster baby show is to form one of its many attractions no doubt gave pleasure to many mothers who have “ the prettiest baby in the world ” and their maternal fears for the safety of their darlings, when on exhibition, would be assuaged when they learned that the Show was to beheld under the direction and protection of the Society .for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. On behalf of the Halcombo invalid I have to,.acknowledge with thanks the receipt of stamps from Gladys Duncan, Feilding, and a large parcel forwarded by Mr Alex. McMirn, of the Wairarapa Daily Times.