SHOOTING NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8832, 7 June 1907, Page 3

SHOOTING NOTES.

By “ Spotter.”

lu this district the event of the week was the Battalion Shield Competition, held at Wanganui on Monday last. This is an annual fixture, to be fired on Prince of Wales’ Birthday, and for three years in succession tliis holiday has boon observed on a Monday, necessitating visiting teams losing practically three days for the shoot. All competitions so far have been hold in Wanganui; but it was decided by vote of the competitions, taken on the range, that the Shield he fired for at Palmerston North \ next year. This, I think, is only fair, and it is a pity that other towns have not sufficient range accommodation to enable a change to bo made each year The shooting was of an interesting nature at the first two ranges, Manchester Rifles, 303, leading at 200yds by three points from Palmerston North Rifles, 802, Wanganui Rifles, last year’s winners, scoring 292. At 500yds Palmerston Rifles, 804, boat the Manchester, 300, by four points, leaving the former one point to the good to commence 600yds. Wanganui Rifles dropped a little further back, and wore 29 points behind the leading team. At 600 yards both the Manchester and Palmerston ‘Rifles made bad starts, the former’s first two men putting on 50 only between them, and the latter’s 53. Wanganui Rifles scored CO for their men, thus wiping 10 points off the slate against the Manchester. However, the next squad (3) of the winning team put a different aspect on affairs, getting 91 between them, and the remainder of the team going well put the issue beyond doubt, the score for the range being 279. The winning scores so far, in the. three years this shield has been shot for, have been 895 by Palmerston North Rifles in 1905, 878 by Wanganui Rifles in 1906, and 888 by Manchester Rifles this year. Three possibles were recorded at the meeting, Corp. Stock,' Palmerston North Rifles, and Vol. J. Purnell, Wanganui Rifles, at 200yds, and Lt. Domigau, Manchester Rifles, at 500yds. Lieut. Domigan’s target at 500yds was a picture, and his shooting was the keenest I have overseen. He started with a bull in centre of the black, worked over to the right edge at fifth shot and back to the centre on next two shots. I

do not think there was six inches difference in elevation in his seven shots. I am sure Wanganui battalion should bo proud of the interest taken by its officers in shooting. There were 15 shooting on Monday, and the great majority of them were well up in the scores, four getting 90 points and over, and seven ranged from 83 to SO. I think this battalion could put in a team of from five to ten officers who could shoot —and boat —any equal number of officers from any other battalion in f the colony. At any rate, it would be a very interesting competition. I am informed that some time, ago a match was on the tapis between the officers of the headquarters town and those of the remainder of the battalion corji.s, but for some reason or other it did not eventuate. It would be a “"willing go.” Some very good scores were put up at the meeting, Corp. Stock, Palmerston North Rifles, heading the list with 98, Vol. Parker, Manchester Rifles, 97; Sergt. Langham, Irish Rifles, and Vols. Handley and J. Purnell, Wanganui Rifles,P 96 ; Capt. Batten, Royal Rifles, and Vol. Cooper, Palmerston' North Rifles, 91; with eight others ranging from 90 to 93 The lowest score of the day got 33 only fir the three ranges, or rather for two, as he failed to find the target at COOyds. The Saudou-Ohakea Club finished their season with a field day on Monday. This provided members with one of the most”plcasant day’s shooting that lias taken place during the existence of the club. The scores, winch were published in Tuesday’s issue, show a good average.

F. Purnell has been a most consistent shot; his average for three ranges, 300, 500, and 600 yards, being well over 90 for the season.

“ Captain Penny made 04, his score including two magpies. This is his best total so far, but I expect to see him come very near a three-figure total next season. At the conclusion of the shooting a very pleasant evening was spent in tiie supper room of the Town Hall. This occasion was taken to iiresent Mr Purnell witli a pair of field glasses as a slight recognition ot the valuable services that he had rendered the club since its formation, both as a coach and haudicapper. Sjioakiug to tho toast of tho Captain’s health, reference was made to tho marked improvement in tho club’s shooting during the past season. This improvement was in no small measure duo to the efforts of Captain Penny, who had always sacrificed his own scores by his anxiety to coach beginners. Tiie club is fortunate in having tiie services of such an assiduous officer, and it is to he hoped that lie will consent to retain tho position in future seasons. Two other circumstances have been instrumental in improving the shooting, one of which applies to other clubs in the district. I refer to the Newman Cup competitions. Those competitions have given rifle shooting a decided impetus; they have created a healthy rivalry and a feeling of good fellowship among riflemen. The other reason, which applies to Saudou in particular, is their now range on Mr 'Williams’ property, which has an ideal situation and is within a few minutes’ walk of the township. The SandonOliakea Rifle Club arc to be congratulated upon the interest that the residents of the district take in their competitions. I understand that five trophies have been promised already for next year’s competitions. The Marton Rifle Club held a competition last week, and Rifleman J. Wing secured his second and final win for Mr Morrison’s trophy. Tho Raugitikei Gun Club had an enjoyable picnic at Mr George Temoti’s property at Kakariki on Monday. Twelve competitors took part in the shooting, the results being :—lst Points Handicap—G. Temcti and H. S. Mercer tied for first, O. Haycock and G. Morris tied for second, D. Hammond sth, A. Siguall Cth, J. Lourio 7th. 2nd Points Handicap—H. S. Mercer Ist, O. Haycock 2nd, D. Hammond 3rd. 3rd Sweep—O. ’’Haycock Ist, G. Morris and J. Lourie tied for s ceond. 4th Swoop—J. Lourio Ist, G. f.Temoti 2nd, Haycock and G. Morris tied, tor third. After the clay shooting the members went in for game. Music and singing ended a most enjoyable gathering.