ON THE RANGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 264, 20 August 1936, Page 3

ON THE RANGE.

MINIATURE RIFLE NOTES. (By “Marker”). The Rakaia Club maintained an unbeaten record for the season by defeating the Lynnford Club in the final County shield match, and without a doubt the honours for 1936 go to it. The Club produced the winning team at the County championships and also winning and run-ner-up teams in 1935. After interest had lapsed for a number of years the’ club was reorganised last season by the untiring efforts of the Rev. D. Ashford, who has had considerable experience with rifle clubs overseas and is a very enthusiastic organiser, being always willing to offer his services for the interests of the sport. One has only to visit the club to notice the fine spirit of comradeship and unselfishness that is enjoyed, this is in no small measure attributable to the club’s successes.

Then again they are fortunate in having the veterans of over a de'eade ago in charge of affairs, with the services of Messrs Oakley Brothers and Cromie Brothers, who have long been associated with rifle shooting. The’ junior members are in a position to have the correct rudiments of the sport instilled from tho start, and these veterans give the. club a stiffening effect, and with such a renowned shot as Mr 11. Cromie as captain and coach, it is not surprising to see young shots getting good scores from the start. That the club enjoys a good membership is proved from the fact that a second team recorded quite a good score against the Dorie Club, in a match for the Garrigan Shield. Other clubs could well take a leaf from the Rakaia Club’s book, cultivate the feeling of unselfishness and encourage' the junior members. For without the younger shots, the club and its teams would not forge ahead.