NOTES AND COMMENTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 325, 10 April 1928, Page 12

NOTES AND COMMENTS

By “CORDITE’’ Friends and supporters of riflemen in the Auckland Province will be glad to hear that the recent South Auckland Association meeting was a great success from all points of view. Last year the attendance was so poor that it was a question whether or not the meeting should be abandoned, but those present fortunately decided to give it one more chance. There were about twenty riflemen from this centre who made the trip, but an equal number rolled up from the young clubs in the Bay of Plenty and surrounding districts, and to their enthusiasm must be attributed the success of the meeting.

The old bug-bear that the Auckland cracks would scoop the pool was again dispelled, as of the six matches fired, only two were won by representatives from this centre. It is safe to say that to a man the Aucklanders were pleased with the results, as the even distribution of honours will stimulate the keeness of the country clubs and will mean a better attendance at the Auckland meeting next year. Dates and conditions suitable to country members were discussed at Waihi, and the Auckland executive should have no excuses to offer if the 1929 meeting is as poor as the last two. PATRICK WINS CHAMPIONSHIP In last week’s notes the writer tipped A. J. Patrick (City), last year’s champion, as the most likely man to win the coveted honour again, and this proved correct, as the finished two points in the lead from the Auckland champion, A. W. Powell. Conditions are never easy on the Waihi range, and this year proved no exception, as can be realised when 38 drew money at 700 yards. Patrick was perhaps a little lucky to win, as Captain Hollard (Opotiki) required 41 for a win at the final range. Starting well, he was going nicely, but in error put a “bull” on the wrong target, finishing 36. „ Out of fairness to him it should be pointed out that the target numbers were not too clear, and when the targets themselves were down, two “dummies” being missing, the bare frames were almost invisible. On the other hand, the fact of having to score a certain number of points and knowing it, makes a shoot doubly hard, but without detracting from the merits of the chmapion’s win, Hollard should have at least made a great fight for it, but for his unfortunate mistake. A POPULAR WIN At 200 yards, there were no fewer than nine scores of 48, Hubbard (Paeroa) winning with an eight “bull” finish. The 300 yards range tripped many, the visibility being poor and most points were lost in elevation. Patrick’s score at this range v/as probably the best shoot of the meeting, his card reading 554545545 5 —47. The round bull was used from 500 back, and some warm shooting was witnessed At the close range, Colquhoun (Akarana), 554555555 5, counting out Pieterson (City), 5555554555 for top place. The 600 yards range proved a surprise packet, as old Sam Saunders (Waihi), who is in ill-health and practically crippled with rheumatism, registered a sterling 47 with 55535545 5 5, counting out Hollard (Opokiti), whose card read 555545455 4. The round of cheering when the veteran was presented with his trophy was good to hear. At 700 W. McFarland (Rangitikei) finished too well for D. Calder (Akarana), his score reading 53553 3 45 5 5 against 4455 3* 5554 3. Ivan Spry (City), who is only 17 years of age and in his second year in the club, won the Tyro Aggregate easily. He is also a nrst-class service shot, winning the Mount Albert Grammar School championship in 1926 and the Auckland Cadet championship last year. Witb another couple of years’ experience, he should be in the first flight of riflemen in the district.