THE NEW RIFLE RANGE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 306, 19 October 1880, Page 2

THE NEW RIFLE RANGE.

The new rifle range recently completed for the No. 1 Temuka Rifle Volunteers is situated immediately behind the Park grounds, and runs west to east along the river bed. The distances pegged oft" are 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 yards. Two sized targets (regulation, 6x4 and 6x6) are to be used. A dummy target, for showing each shot, is also provided, and placed just over the marker's butt. This will be of great assistance to the mt-n in shooting, as it will enable them to tel exactly where each shot strikes, and to aim accordingly. The position of the range is a very good one. It is shetrered to a great extent from the north-westers by the high grounds on the left. It is also very convenient to the town—a great advantage to shootists. To provide a means, we suppose, of knowing exactly where a bullet strikes that misses, and also to prevent accidents to cattle or anyihing else that may be in rear of and in line with the targsts, from stray bullets, a very substantial mound has been erected. The framework is made of wood, while the face is built up with sods. It measures 55 at the base, 45 feet at the top, and stands 20 feet high. It tapers in thickness from 2 feet from the sides, and top and bottom, to 4 feet in the centre. It is a substantial piece of work, and reflects credit on the contractor. The marker's butt—made of sods—is placed at the end of the mound, and about 4 feet in front of it. It is also about 6 feet to the left of the target. The walls are 6 fyet through, and every care has been taken to render it safe for the marker. Danger flags are hoisted on long poles erected for that purpose at both ends of the range during the firing, and communication between the firing point and the marker is carried on by the sound of the bugle. Our readers will observe from the above that every precaution has been taken to prevent accidents on the range. Altogether we think Captain Young and his men" have every reason to be pleased at being'able to secure for themselves such a fine range, and it also speaks well for the spirit of volunteering in Temuka, as we are given to understand the company has had to bear the whole of the expense, as well as j to provide targets, which will amount to\ close on LIOO.