SHOOTING NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8809, 10 May 1907, Page 3

SHOOTING NOTES.

By “ Spotter.”

The Huuterville Rifle Club held another very successful half-yearly meeting last Saturday. This club lias been in existence for the last six-

teen years and during the last few years the members have made a specialty of these half-yearly field days, the popularity of which may bo guaged by the attendance of wellknown rifle allots from all parts of the province. The flub is fortunate iu having the services of Captain W. Fcrgnsson, whoso many years experience at Association meetings, independent of Ids other [personal qualifications, has given him many opportunities of learning the best way to conduct a competition of this kind. Friday evening’s train

had quite a military aspect with tho representatives of tlio Wanganui, Palmerston, Linton, Himataugi and Sandon chibs aboard. The local and inland teams were also well represented.

The handicapping at this meeting is the hardest problem that tho committee has to face, tho close finishes between tho limit and scratch men during tho day proved that tho capabilities of the performers had been well guaged. While on tho question of handicapping I would suggest that for future competitions the handicapping be done with tho assistance of representatives from the various districts that are taking part in the meeting. This would give every man a chance of being handicapped on his form and would save the local adjusters considerable trouble. The most “tryiug duties connected with a day’s shooting belong to the field secretary, and I congratulate the official for that day ou tho manner in whoh ho carried out his work. J. Purnell, of Wanganui Rifles, proved to bo tho champion of the day, his total for tho three ranges being 99 out of a possible 105. J. Perrin of the Linton Rifle Club was runner-up with 95. The Wanganui Rifles who won the teams match put up au average of over 90 points a man. Tills made their third wiu for the Teams’ Cup, which now becomes the property of tho corps. The only “possible” made_ during the day was put ou by Yol. Mayhew, of tho' Manchester Rifles, at the 500 yards range, J. Perrin just missing the maximum points with 8-1 at tho same range. Throe riflemen —J. Gardiner, J. Purnell and W. S. Penny—succeeded in making 34 each at 300 yards. Great interest is being taken by volunteer corps in the battalion shooting which takes place on June 3rd on the Wanganui range. Teams representing Wanganui Garrison aud tho pick of the Sand on and Himatangi Clubs are firing a match at Wanganui to-morrow. The final for Mr Newman’s Cup is to take place on the Bulls range on Wednesday loth. I have not heard of any arrangements having been made for the presentation of the cup at the conclusion of the day’s shooting. Perhaps a “smoke” could bo managed. A Martou correspondent writes: — Mar ton Rifle Club fired their second competition for Mr Morrison’s trophy last Wednesday. According to tho scores something unusual must have happened. During the winter mouths the Martou range is practically useless. We have the sun in our eyes all the afternoon, especially when firing at the COO yards range about 4.30. Tho sun goes down directly behind the target aud you cannot see the target, your sights or anything else. It will be some consolation to ns to know that when we meet the Himatangi Club on the loth iust. we shall not have the sun in our eyes. The following are the scores ;

> 1J-18 U1U/ ov 500 COO h’p Tl. w Johnston 27 39 — 5(5 J. Milligan 19 19 15 53 A. Mercer 23 33 3 49 O. Frederick 20 15 10 45 T. Wing 25 15 — 40 A. Wing 25 15 — 40 A. Sharpe 23 G — 39 E. V> T iug 13 — 15 37