THE SMALL BORE RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP OF NEW ZEALAND.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 170, 25 April 1872, Page 3

THE SMALL BORE RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP OF NEW ZEALAND.

We are glad to be able to state that there is every likelihood of our having one (if not more) exciting rifle match before long. It will be remembered that MiWalker, when sending a congratulatory message to Captain Wales through Colonel Haringtou, stated that he was willing to fire a match with any or all of the best shots in the colony. Mr Duncan, of Wanganui, expressed his willingness also some short time since to make a match with Mr Walker, and this gentleman lias now signified his willingness to fire him if be is desirous of so doing. McKerrell, who is in Wanganui also, and who won the All Comers’ Match at the last competition can, if lie wish, try his skill against our champion; and as lie is a Wimbledon shot of some repute, we fully expect that be will take up the gauntlet thrown down to him. Mr Walker wishes the match, if made, t@ come off in Auckland; and be also states that he does not wish to fire for any stakes himself, as lie does not wish to shoot for mere money’s sake, but if the Southern man wishes, several of bis friends will back him for a considerable amount. Nothingcan be fairer than the spirit in which this challenge is given ; and we hope that it will be accepted. Mr Walker is an old rifle-shot of repute, and evidently wants to have a fii\al trial of bis skill before retiring from the arena of the rifle butts.