NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1475, 4 March 1886, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

The eighth prize meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association was commenced at Aramoho, near Wanganui, on Monday morning. The range is pleasantly situated about 3| miles from Wanganui, on Mr Walker’s property, and is approachable by either road or river. The number of competitors is 211, about half of whom are camped at the range and the remainder billeted in town. The range is an excellent one, and the general opinion of those competing is that it is far superior to that at either Auckland, Wellington, or Dunedin. At a meeting of the Executive Council a few important alterations have been made in the regulations, and Captain Somerville, although unable to give detailed statements of the finances, stated that he expected the meeting would result in a credit balance of £2OO. Major Noakes is in charge of the range, and is assisted by Majors Locke and Neill, and Lieutenant BoiLc* 1 , At a parade of the competitors, Major Noakes addressed the men on the position of the Association, which he said was being worked on an entirely different basis from that previously. Although the duties of the men would be light, strict military discipline would be observed, and the hearty co-operation of all concerned was requested, and if that were given, the success of the meeting would be assured. So far as he was able to ascertain, the arrangements made by the present controlling body, left little to be desired. A general meeting of, the Association will be held on Saturday night to consider its position and decide where the next meeting will bo held. Blenheim or Christchurch is mentioned as the place where it is likely to be held. It has been decided that firing shall commence at 8 a.m, and cease at 5.30 p.m.

It is understood that during this meeting the ammunition manufactured in Auckland will be tested. This will not be done in any match, but some of the best shots will be chosen to fire a few rounds. The following is the result of the match concluded on Monday afternoon; — Wellington Match, 200 and 500 yards ; seven shots at each range.

Pts. Captain Purnell, Wanganui City Rifles, £lO 55 Sergeant Mooseman, Wanganui City Rifles, £7 55 Sergeant Wood, Wanganui Rifles, £6. 54 Private Downie, Thames Rangers, £5 54 Gunner Barnes, Port Chalmers Artillery, £5 54 Gunner Webster. Auckland Artillery £4 54 Sergeant Kuchen, Wellington Artillery, £4 53 Sergeant Parker, Wanganui City Rifles, £3 53 Corporal McKay, Riverton Rifles, £3 53 Private Moosemao, Wanganui City Rifles, £2 ... 52 Gunner Hornby, Port Chalmers Artillery, £2 ... 52 Lieutenant Flyger, Wanganui City Rifles, £2 52 Seamen Harris, Wellington Nava's £2 52 Sergeant McLean, Wairoa Light Horse, £2 52 Private McDonald, Hobson, £2 ... 51 There were ten others cf £1 in value. March 1. The following is the result of to-day’s match : Hawkes Bay Match, 200 and 500 yards ; counting for Rifle ami Carbine belts ; 10 shots.

Pts. Private Downie, Thames Rangers, £lO ... 83 Sergeant Mooatman, Wanganui City

R'fl-s, £7 ... 81 Private Qeddes, South Dunedin Rifles £6 , 81 Private Muddock, Blenheim Rifles, £5 80 Sergeant Webb, Wellington Artillery, £4 78 Gunner Bunting, Napier Artillery, £3 78 Corporal Parslow, Auckland Artillery, £3 78 private Datt, Wairnea Ibfles, £2 ... 77 'Sergeant Kuchen, Wellington Artillery, £2 ... 77 There were eight other prizes of f£l l each*