NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2233, 2 March 1886, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

(United Press Association.) Wangakoi, March ]. The weather remained fine to-tay, but the wind kept up, and shooting was not good. The consequence of this was thown in the shooting of some of the best shots, especially Still, who in 1884 finished second for Carbine Bolt in Auckland, only made four at 500 yards, and Churton, who won the Champion Rifle Belt at the same meetiug, only succeeded in making 13. In many other instances there was equally as bad shooting. _ The only match fired to-day was the Wellington match, not counting for the belts. Captain Purnell, of Wanganui, takes first place, but it is said that protests will be lodged on the grounds that his disqualification at the last meeting of the Association held at Island Bay Wellington, prevents him from again competing in any Association meeting in future. The officers on the staff will not express any opinion on the subject, but it is more' than likely that a friendly protest will be lodged in the event of no other being presented so as to open up tho whole question. Should any action be taken, the question will bo settled before the commencement of the belt matches in the morning. At a meeting of the Executive Council to-day a discussion took place aB to whether long Sniders should be allowed at tho meeting. There was great difference of opinion, and the further consideration was adjourned until the morning. Exceptions having been taken to there being only ono team match this year instead of two (one for rifles and one for carbines) as previons years, the Council mot to consider the matter, but decided before taking action to test the feeling of tho competitors. It is understood that during the meeting, ammunition manufactured' in Auckland will be tested. This will not be done in any match, but some of tho best shots will bo chosen to fire a few rounds. The following is the result of the match concluded this afternoon :-

Wellington Match, 200 and 500 yards, seven shots at each range.—Captain Purnell, Wanganui City, Rifles, 55, £10; Sergt. Mooseman, Wanganui City Rifles, 55, £7; Sergfc. Clamoat, Wanganui Rifles, 54, £6; Private Downes, Thames Rangers, 64, £5; Gunner Burnes, Port Chalmers Artillery, 54, £5; Gunner Webster, Auckland Artillery, 54, £4; Sergfc. Kuchen, Wellington Artillery, 53, £3; Sergt, Parkes, Wanganui City Rifles, 53, £3; Coppl. McKay, Riverton Rifles, 53, £3 ;" Private Mooseman, Wanganui City Rifles, 52, £3 j Gunner Hornby, t'orfc Chalmers Artillery, 52, £2; Lieut. Flyger, Wanganui City Rifles, 52, £2; Seaman Harris, Wellington Navals, 52, £2; Sergfc. McLean, Wairoa Light Horse, 52, £2; Private McDonald, Hobson Rifles, 51, £2. There were ten others of £1 in value. It has been decided that shooting shall commoßooatS &».,' and 'dose', at-'5,30 ■l* .