NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3804, 8 March 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

[By Teleg-eaph.]

(pee pbess association.)

THE NELSON RIFLE MEETING

Nelson, Last night,

The South v. North Carbine Match is not likely to take place, as the Southern inea object to pay 10s per head entrance for a competition in which they have no chance, and the only prize for members of the losing team is £2 10s. The firing will probably be over on Wednesday. Many competitors leave tomorrow. There was no firing this afternoon, as an adjournment was made for the local races, which, however, were not very exciting or numerously attended. In the 9th Match the Thames competitors scored thus —Kendall, 68 ; McLeod, 65; Downie, 64; Weir, 62; Brownlow, 58. Intense excitement prevailed amongst the spectators and non-shootists at the last range for the Carbine and Rifle Champion Beits. Major Baillie, in command, had made arrangements in case of the on-lookers crowding around the marksmen whilst firing, and a special constable on horseback bad hard work to keep back the crowd. Folly four hundred arrived from all parts by train, carriages, and on horseback. The crowd could not be restrained from giving vent to their feelings by • cheering Armstrong and Prance after every shot, but it did not seem to interfere in the least with their shooting. Luckily Armstrong had a good man down on the mound firiug at the same time at the finish—Gordon, of the Thames, who led the way almost each shot with either a bull's-eye or centre, as will be seen by Gordon's score at the 400 yards. France is comparatively a very young man, but a plucky one, and undoubtedly a good shot. McLean, of Wanganui, surprised everybody with his splendid shooting at the finish of 39 out of a possible 40, the total number being the seme as Armstrong, viz., 273, but it was decided by the 7th Match, in which Armstrong was the highest scorer. After the 'Carbine men had fallen in, and the winner proclaimed for 1881, Armstrong, McLean, and France were carried on the shoulders of eight men, headed by the Wellington bands, and marched to the canteen, where a spread had been prepared, and the healths of the victors were drunk. The crowd then rushed back to the 500 yards, where the Rifles were finishing the Championship. On leaving the 290 yards, Paynter had a led over Hosbins by two points, which he kept heading up. with a splendid score of 36. Hoskins, with ten hits, only put together 29 points, falling behind to fourth place Toe same proceedings were followed out as with the Carbine champions, amidst prolonged cheering.

Kifle Camp, This day, 2.10 p.m. Match £Fe. 18-EiHe Company's Ohallenge Belt. To be fired for by representatives of Volunteer Companies in Wew -Zealand, under the following condi-

tions . — 1. To be: competed for by teams from Companies which have s tifbseri Jbt}<?ri£o 5s yfco tke iua'ds of the New Zealand .Rifle Assooiafor the current year. 2. Each team to consist of five members (who must have been efficient on the 31st December, 1880) of arty Volunteer corps in New Zealand, armed with rifles. 3. Any corps may send one or more teams. 4. Ranges—2oo, 400, 500, and 600 yards. 5. Seven shots per man at each range. 6. Snider or muzzle-loading Enfield rifles. 7. Ties to be decided by teams firing seven shots per man at the longest range. 8. Entrance fee, £2 10s per team. PBIZEB. Ist. The Kifie Challenge Cup (to be held by the team for twelve months) and £25 to the highest team. 2nd. £10 to the second highest team. 3rd. £5 to the third highest team. Match 16 has just been completed. The Wanganui Eifles take first place with 440 points, Waimea Rifles second with 435, and Nelson City Eifles third with 432.

The scores of winning team are— Foster, 92 ; Armstrong, 90, Hughes, 88 ; Remington, Nulsford, each 85.

Match No. 17—Carbine Company's Challenge Match.

Conditions same as in Jiifle Match 16, with the exception of the ranges. which were 203, 300, 400, and 500 yards. The Carbine Company's match is just completed, the first team of the Wellington Navals securing the first place with a total of 457. The Thames Navals and Alexandra Cavalry tied for second place with 431, and will have to fire off. The names of the winning team are: —A. Dison, 94; C. France, 93; A. France, 91; H. Dixon, 90 ; Davy, 89.

The scores of the Thames Navals are— Gordon, 93; Parslow and Armstrong, each 92; Thomas, 86; Cameron, 71; and of the Alexandra Cavalry (Wanganui) :— V. Thurston, 92 ; Perry, 38 ; Laird, 87; Somerville, 85; Stitt, 82.