THE TEAM FOR BISLEY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11245, 10 April 1902, Page 5

THE TEAM FOR BISLEY.

AUCKLAND'S DISAPPOINTMENT,

(PBESS ASSOCIATION" TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, April 9. Mr George Fowlds, M.H.R., has received the following telegram from the Defence Minister, in reference to the team for Bisley: —

"I submitted yottr telegram to Colonel Sommerville re selection of New Zealand Bisley team, and have received the following repiy; 'Claimsof Carlson and Webster, of Auckland, considered by committee. Carlson fair individual shot, but not sufficient experience for team shooting. Webster falling off in bis shooting. Committee did not take into consideration claims of any district. They selected best men available for team shooting, so matter where they came from, and team selected is a splendid one. Auckland forgets that her snooting has gone back sjnee 1856. - '' Mr Fowlds despatched the following, reply: — •' Colonel Sommerville's contention entirely erroneous. Scores made in Auckland district in open competition far ahead of any place in colony. Carlson's- shooting last two years excellent and consistent. Webster never shooting better in his life than at the present time. His scoring in the district competition here immediately before Association meeting at Trentbain in four matche* averaged over 4£ points per shot, over eighty men competing. His average, both locally apd at the last two New Zealand comtjetitions far ahead of several of those included in the team. Finished xjp twentieth man at last competition at In club competition here f.ast Saturday made 94 out of a possible 105 at 300, 400 and 700 yards—a record good enough for any team in the world, with all due respect to Colonel Soinmerville. , *