CENTRAL RIFLE RANGE.

Shannon News, 27 September 1921, Page 4

CENTRAL RIFLE RANGE.

REQUEST BY WEST COAST CLUBS

During the course of his remarks at a recent gathering of riflemen, Mr W. H. Field, M.P., referred toj the want of a central rifle range for the club on this coast. He stated, that some years ago an attempt had been made tp get the Defence Department to provide a central range near Otaki, but nothing had come of it. Now, however,’ a West Coast Rifle Club Association had been formed, and it was interesting itself in the. matter. In a letter to him some months ago, the Association had urged the necessity of bringing the Manakau range up to date, so that it may be available for competitions among’ the clubs on the Mamawatu line. Miv Field pointed out that the, present time was a difficult one for the Government owing to the financial stringency, but he considered the clubs concerned should decide on a site in order to be prepared when an opportune time came for bringing their request before the Government. Continuing, Mr Field said he had brought the Vvest Coast Rifle Club’s letter before the Minister of Defence, adding that for -years past h.e. (the speaker) had been urging Government after Government to establish a central range in this district. 1 A : range was certainly needed on the Manawatu line if the rifle clubs were to be encouraged. The Manakau range could, he believed, be put in order without heavy expenditure, and improvements could be made later on as money became available. The Minister was asked that an inspection be made by a responsible officer, and that the request of the rifle clubs; be complied with at the earliest possible date.

The Minister, in reply, stated, that he had received a report on the Manakau range which indicated that it wa ! s perfectly safe and in good order, and available for rifle practice by rifle clubs. There was no indication in what. respect the range was but of date, but he took it that the fact that it had provision for firing up to 500 yards only was .the difficulty. “The question of catering for rifle clubs,” the Minister added, “is one of great difficulty, and, much as I should like to give ideal facilities for every rifle club, the problem- is of rationally spending the minimum amount of money on a system of defence which will ensure efficiency. It has been demonstrated beyond doubt that fbr the actual trainees who would be available for war a short range near their homes is all that it is necessary to provide, and it has been decided that no money will be expended on .large ranges in any but a very limited • number of centres, where they will be available for machine-gun and field practice, and where troops can be assembled in camps of instruction. In regard to the Manakau range as at present, constructed, if rifle clubs 'desiring to, use it will apply to the officer commanding district, the necessary range appliances will be provided.” AMMUNITION SUPPLY TO MEMBERS. Mr Field went on to say that he attended the recent social gathering of the liautere Rifle Club, when his attention was drawn to the regulation that no free ammunition was supplied to members of rifle clubs unless they were returned soldiers, or until they had attained the age of 25 years, even though they may he qualified as marksmen and passed the necessary test. He was asked by the Hautere Club to represent the position to the Minister of Defence, with a view to amending the regulations, if possible. It was pointed out to the Minister that many of the youths and young men belonging to the club, though most anxious to attain proficiency in marksmanship, could not afford the expense of the considerable amount of ammunition necessary to enable them to practice rifle shooting, and to take part in the competitions. Of course, any alteration or reduction in the change, if made, would have lo apply to the whole Dominion.

In reply, the Minister' regretted that under the existing regulations the young members of rifle clubs could .not receive the privileges accorded to older members. “The regulations for rifle clubs,” said the Minister, “are now being revised with a view to removing the present restrictions in regard to age, and to afford facilities for all men of military age to become eligible as members. I am, however, not in accord with the proposal to grant free ammunition, as I find that Ihis. privilege has been abused. In lien of this arrangement it. is proposed to authorise the issue of ammunition, up to 500 rounds, at 25 per cent of the cost price, to all individual bona hide members of rifle clubs. This will Ik;> 'equivalent to a grant of £3 15s per annum to each member, which is a greater concession than rifle club inembers now receive by a limited supplly of ammunition free, and a further supply at half price.’*