NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL MEETING.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2999, 6 November 1882, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL MEETING.

[By Telegraph.] Dunedin, Nov. 6. After lunch yesterday the Otago and Wellington matches, which count lor rifle and carbine belts respectively, were started, but about four o’clock they were postponed in consequence of the heavy rain, and will not be resumed until Tuesday morning, it having been decided not to interfere with the programme for Monday, which comprises the last range of the Wellington match and the firing of the Oamaru and Union matches. The stopping of toe shooting yesterday meets with but little satisfaction from the competitors, who would have preferred to go on. P.O. F. France, of the Wellington Naval Brigade, being the highest scorer in the first three matches, takes the medal presented to the Association by Mr G, Byndman, jeweller, of Dunedin. Volunteer Brooks, of Dunedin, was second with 142, being one point behind France. THIS PAY. This morning the weather is warm and bright. The Union, Marlborough, and Civilian Matches will be fired to-day, also the last range of the Wellington Match. Should the weather continue favorable it is expected the firing will be completed by Wednesday night. A grand review will be held on Thursday, the Invercargill, Timaru, and Oamaru Volunteers bging present. The following are the highest scorers in the Auckland and Canterbury matches, and the.firing of ten rounds at 500 yards for the trophy presented by the Union Steam Shipping Company, Harding, 93 ; Sontag, 90; Brooks and Paynter, 89 ; W. Fergnsson, T. France, Cor, Haslett, Horne, Sergt. Johnston, A. Mossman, Wratt, Corporal Webster, and Waugh, 87 ; J. C. Anderson, Lieut. Crossman, Foster, W. Harris, King, W. McKenzie, Kennedy, Capt. McCartney, 86 , Christie, Chuck, T. Hutchison, W. Hutchison, McLatchie, Perry, Seatter. Allan, and Sangster, 85 ; Ohurton, Clark, Cumber, Beach, Grant. Hale, Hoskin, Kummer, McGonagle, G. Paterson, Sergt. Ross, Lieut. Soper, J. Smith, 0. Stevenson, each 84. As only 40 compete, those who scored 84 will have to fire shot for shot at 200 yards, to fil nine vacancies, It is expected that this match will flbe fired on Wednesday. Those who-Jfired through the rain on Saturday, have protested against the action of Major Baillie in stopping the firing, which, they contend, is contrary

to regulations. This will be considered to-night, and the Otago match will not bo proceeded with until it has been decided. The Union and Marlborough matches are going on. There is splendid weather, with a light southerly wind. Lateb. So far the highest scorers for the carbine belt are F. France (Wellington), and W. Hairis (Wellingt >n), 173 ; Holmes, Wellington, 168; Weir, Thames, 167; Perry (Wanganui), and Boss (Wanganui) 164.