THAT RIFLE MATCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 103, 28 May 1909, Page 3

THAT RIFLE MATCH.

To t'iio Editor. Sir,—l am wry sorry that J find it necessary to again take up mv pen in defence of the team of shootisis which it is my pleasure to represent. My epistle or the 25th took the form of an explanation, but a lot tor bearing the same dale and written over the signature of M. J. Marsh. has forced me int'; a lighting position, f have carefully read "Stratford SljootistV' letter, and fail to lind in t!n> sam<! or any other publication how Mr, Mars'h can come to thy conclusion that we have taken our beating badly. At the risk of repeating myself, allow me to state that we do not object now, or at any other time. In Mangorei firing honorary (or. if it son wis nicer, "private") members against us, always providing they do i not expect the result to count for championship honor-. "Why, then does Mr. Marsh rush into print and make such statements, when none knows' better 'than himself that Mangorei could fire none but members in any championship shoot; or is he simply trying to save from total wreck the statements of an ill-informed correspondent? For in spite or this wordy warfare we claim—with justifiable pride. For it lias taken us years of constant trying and many losses—to have the champion team of Taranaki until the 3rd of dune next. I mention this date, beeau-e on that dav the champion loams match of Taranaki is fired on our local range, .and it is qmW» possible that we may meet with defeat, and though the champion shield can only be held by a vohpUoev team, there U nothing to prevent them. If they will partake of our humble, hospitality. to .shoot as our guests, and though I hey cannot win the shield, no one can reiuse them the proud name of local champions should their team compile the highest s'eorc. In anv ease on behalf of our company, allow'me to invite Mangorei to participate in our pleasure, and should tliev win. the first to congratulate them will be the member of the Taranaki Guard*' team. Trusting, Mr. Kditor, you will torgive me for occupying so much of vour space in correcting what might so easily be a misunderstanding—l am. etc., * COL.-SERGT. HAUTXKLL, Sec. (juai'ds' Shooting Committee.