HOW I TRAIN FOR A RIFLE MEETING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8431, 1 May 1907, Page 7

HOW I TRAIN FOR A RIFLE MEETING.

Rifleman G. Hyde, of Opaki, writes as follows to the Otago Daily Times:—ln answer to your invitation to furnish particulars of the methods I adopt when training for a big shooting meeting, I may say when preparing for Trentham I do not depart much from the every-day beaten track of daily routine life, with the exception of doing a mile walk before retiring every evening some weeks prior to the meeting. I find this has a stimulating effect and conduces to a good night's sleep, which is most essential to a shooting man. I also make it a practice to retire early, as a rule not later than 9.30 p.m., and rise in' the morning comparatively early. A good wash, a cup " c# cold, pure water, and deep-breath-ing exercises are the first things before partaking of a moderate breakfast of something light-—but no meat. Then follows my usual daily occupation. For shooting practice Igo out once a week during the season, and just prior to the meeting indulge in a little extra practice as circumstances permit, early morning or in the evening for preference, in order to meet With varied lights. I.also go in for a little snapping, which practice will commend itself, as one of the most important things to bear in mind wnen shooting is to pull a steady shot; consequently it is good practice to take a little exercise in this way. I may add that a little shooting on a showery day, although unpleasant, is excellent practice. Often, a young'shot, indeed many an experienced one too, is tripped up in a big competition through encountering a shower whilst undergoing his turn down, the effect being disastrous to the elevation, unless making due allowance, amounting to several degrees lower. My advice to a young shot is to live moderately, abstain from over-indulgence in anything which may tend to have a bad effect upon health, and nerves, keep good hours, live a regular, active life, and the result is good health and steady nerve. You certainly find good shots among men who are fairly heavy smokers and who occasionally indulge in alittle ale, but I think the man who ia moderate or a total abstainer stands the better chance, .and will enjoy a longer lease of shooting life thanjhis more. indulgent comrade. I would mention Arthur Ballinger as ah example in this respect, if I mistake hot,, in my judgment of hia habits. X myself, am and seldom or ever partake ox.anything stronger than water, and never drink tea.—Yours faithfully. G. HYDE.