RIFLE SHOOTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 225, 22 September 1932, Page 15

RIFLE SHOOTING.

MINIATURE RANGE SEASON. START OF SERVICE RIFLE EVENTS. Looking back over the miniature rifle ; shooting in the Auckland province one is struck with the general Improvement in the scoring. This is particularly noticeable in Whangarci, Pacroa, Hamilton and Auckland. To some extent this seems traceable to the fact that these clubs have been fostered by men who have shot on the open range, and had learned the importance of good "holding." New clubs were formed In Hamilton and Auckland (Legion of Frontiersmen), and all clubs Increased their membership. The outstanding shots for 1932 are: H. Ashton, G. Weir; Cowpcr in Whangarci; F. C. Hubbard, A. A. Jenkiuson, l'aeroa; H. Judkins of Devonport; G. G. Kelly, S. Parkinson, K. Davios and A. Sommervillc. Kelly has just won the Auckland championship with a fine total of 1043 out of a possible 1050. his score holding eight "possibles" and seven "sixty-nines" all off the rifle. The new season Tor the .303 rifle has been opened in Auckland by Auckland City "and Akarana. The first shoot was held on Saturday last, but although the weather was good the shooting was not Impressive. However, it is too early to make any predictions. Akarana still holds some very solid marksmen, and one is glad to learn that old stalwarts like S. Elliott, F. Atkinson and E. W r akefield are again in the lists. W. Powell and J. Draflin were shooting at the top of their form when the season closed last year. Auckland City has much good material, but unless G. G. Kelly or A. Sommerville improve on last year's form it is difficult to see who can displace H. Simmonds for the championship. Simmonds is the outstanding rifleman in the open-air srame in Auckland ; his average in his club shoots last year for all the shoots was over 90. It is pleasing to note that through the cooperation of the civilian rifle clubs and the permanent staff, the Auckland Army Association meeting is to be revived, and will be staged on Penrose range on Labour Day. The practices will all be according to army rules. Slings and aperature sights will not be permitted. RANGITAIKI CLUB. (From Our Own Correspondent.) _ WHAKATANE, Wednesday. The Rangitaiki Club fired for the first trophy of the season, when Mrs. C. Jcspersen's Shield was .competed for. The shooting was poor owing to the light changing every few minutes. W. Moore „was the winner after a close contest, the three leading scores being a tic. The scores arc as follow :—W. Moore, 44 at 200 yards, handicap 0, total 44; Mrs. W. Moore, 41, 3—44; J. Follas, 38, 0 —44; E. Morey, sen., 43, 0—43 ; Morey, jun., 37, 4—41; C. Jespersen, 30, 4—40 ; President R. Wilson, 37, 0—37 ; E. Hill, 32, 5—37. The next competition will be held on October 1. For this shoot ammunition will be supplied- on the raiu:c.