RIFLE SHOOTING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9546, 11 March 1919, Page 5

RIFLE SHOOTING.

CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING.

(Per Press Association). TRENTHAM, March 11. The Rifle Championship meeting opened this morning under ideal weather conditions. A heavy fog early in the morning gave place to a hot sun, and clear atmosphere. Three hundred, competitors lined Lip at eight o'clock, and were briefly addressed by Colonel Collins, Chief Exe~ cutive Officer, who expressed pleasure at seeing so many old faces. He welcomed the new competitors and said that he little thought, when speaking at that spot five years ago, that the greatest world" war would* be. fought, and, thanks largely to the British Army and Navy, would be won for the cause of right. He had promised shooting men when the war broke out, that the competitions would be resumed at the earliest possible date after hostilities ceased. This promise had been redeemed, and steps were taken immediately the armistice was signed. The result was that New Zealand waa the first part of the British Empire tc resume rifle meetings. Only 124 entries had been received on the original closing date, but he was determined to proceed with the meeting; and entries for the full series now reached 339, whereof 300 were competing in the full series of matches.

Colonel Collins referred to the fact that many former competitors had fallen in war, and also to the fact that Trentham had • become a germanent camp of instruction for musketry. The men are competing with the 1014 service rifles, issued, on arrival, and no others are permitted to be used, and no adventitious aids will be allowed.

Colonel Collins concluded by urging all to assist, and wishing every man success. The shooting then commenced on the Collins and Somerville ranges in a series of service matches.