RIFLE AND RANGE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17672, 20 October 1925, Page 3

RIFLE AND RANGE.

WITH THE -303, BY TRIGGER PROSPECTS FOR THE 1920-2 G SEASON. The present sea Mm has now been opened for the past two weeks arm gives promise of bong quite the best, since those of pre-war days. All clubs in Canterbury hare largo increases in their membership and iiom correspondence 1 have received J ,oUI riflemen this also applies to the XoiUi Tslanti clubs. There is no doubt Unit the miniature rifle clubs have been and will continue to be a splendid nursery for the .303, and with the facilities given by the Defence Department quite a*Targe number of new clubs should soon be in existence. The many provincial associations are now drawing up their programmes for the season. The National Rifle Association of New Zealand has arranged a comprehensive programme for the meeting. which commences about March 10. and details will bo given, in this column later on. The Oakes Challenge Shield, which was bred for the first, time last season, was very stimulating to tlie sport in Canterr bury, and should create further interest during this year’s shooting. A match for the Oakes Shield will take place on the Kaiapoi range on Labour Day between the holders, Christchurch Railways, and the Christchurch Defence Club. Railways won the shield from Ashburton early in 1924, and -were still undefeated at the close of the season in April last. \ good match should eventuate on Monday next and J am given to understand* that the Ashburton Club will make application to meet the winners in the course of the next few weeks. :•* vt The annual rifle meeting oft the combined areas 10A Christchurch and 10il North Canterbury will be held at Redcliffs on Saturday. October 31. There are three series of matches. Series A is open to all serving Territorials, Reservists and Senipr Cadets : series B, which is fired with the miniature rifle, is open to Senior Cadets under seventeen years of age ; and series C is open to gun teams from any of the above units and comprises Vickers. Lewis and Hotchkiss, gun matches. A splendid prize list is offered, together with valuable trophies. Tbe matches will commence at 8.30 a.m. and continue up to late in the • afternoon. Captain W. Murphy, X.Z.S.G., is the secretary, with whom entries close on Saturday next, October 21.

After having successfully withstood challenges from Blenheim, ]\nihilist, Seddon. and Ronga Clubs, Ron wick had to give up possession of the Dodson Cup on Friday to the Ltnkwatcr Club, the margin in the latter’s favour, alter a very enjoyable shoot, being nine points. A changing light ami variable right wind proved rather troublesome, and the scoring was lo\vor than usual with these two teams. An individual performance o!' merit was registered by Mr F. Sharland. his score being 98. including a possible at ,">OO yards. His other cards were: 3L</yds, «>448.v50---32 : 600yds. oo 44541 -3L. The final totals were: Linkwater 45 L, Rcnwick 4-15. The Christchurch Defence 'Club will lire its first short range competition at. Saturday next. .lutlg Rig from the scores that .-ere r *«it at Tai r iapu' on the opening day, it looks as it some high scoring nviK eventuate. Riflemen H. Harris and ,t ’*. Nelson are the range officers appointed for the day. The Kaiapoi Defence Club has arranged a very interesting programme tor the season. The first competition h>r the belt will take place next SatThe. Rangiora Club, which was the first to open in Canterbury, will fire off its second club competition on Saturday, October 21, at 200 and 000 yards. MINI ATU R E JOTT TNG S. The New Zealand Miniature Rifle Championship has been won by C. R. ■Walker, of Ihe Cashmere Miniature Rifle Club, with sixtecu con=ecu<lro

bull's-eyes. E. Palliscr. of Oamaru, being second with fifteen bulF.s-e.ves. The Ward's Ladies’ .Miniature Rifle Club concluded its shooting last Tuesday. when a trophy donated by Air and Airs Wilson was shot for. Airs Smith being first and Mrs Bowman' second- The club donated prizes for a handicap shoot,.- which resulted in Mrs Smith. Airs Pimm. Airs Harper and Mrs Buchanan tjeing with 35 each. In the shoot off’, Mrs Smith and Ahs Pimm tied and divided the first andj second prizes. Mrs Harper and Mrs Buchanan tied for third place. Airs Weston won the pendant for the season.'