The Rifle Association Meeting at Nelson.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3134, 5 March 1879, Page 2

The Rifle Association Meeting at Nelson.

Eiflb Camp, Nelson, Monday. The first match was commenced this afternoon. Mrs Pitt opened the proceedings with a bull's-eye. Only one range, 200 yards, was fired, the remaining ranges to be fired in the morning. Good, though not excellent shooting, was made, one scoring 27 out of the possible 28, beside several 26's. In this match, as far as I learn, the Auckland, Thames, and Waiuku representatives have shaped rather poorly. Kelly made 25, Moore, 24, Bowden, McLeod, Leigh, and Clark, £2; Cameron, McCarthy, Adolph, and Currie 21, the remainder being under centres. Very few are, however, too, far behind to be out of it, and tomorrow's shooting at the long ranges will make Home trifling revolutions in the position of competitors. This match does not count for the championship, and therefore opinions are not very rife yet as to the chances of particular mctn. The only betting I have -heard of at present is a double on Skinner and Armstrong for the two belts. The knowing ones are trying to get 15 to 1 against it. The range at Bridgewater is said to be the best ever yet used for the firing, and the arrangements seem very perfect, with two exceptions, which are tho miserably small discs used for marking and the dodges of the caterer, who will not allow water on the dinner-table, thinking to force a large sale of non-Templar drinks. Just now the camp is rousing for fun after tea. The Auckland squad has inTested in a concertina, and the Hobson Bandsman is now discoursing popular airs to an admiring crowd of Southerners. One of the Waiuku men has been practising the " Conquering Hero " for some time on behalf of his comrades, and Skinner has had " champion " painted on his tent, so as to be sure of no mistake Everyone is still hopeful, and to-morrow night I hope to send you news of a great advance of all our men toward the cham-pionship.T-Herald Correspondent.