ANTIQUE ARMS ASSOCIATION

Press, Volume C, Issue 29651, 23 October 1961, Page 12

ANTIQUE ARMS ASSOCIATION

Shoot At West Melton The first official shoot of the New Zealand Antique Arms Association, in which were used muzzle loader, flint-lock, and percussion weapons, some of which dated back to the mid-eight-eenth century, was held in brilliant weather at the West Melton range yesterday. About 100 members of the association from throughout New Zealand attended the shoot, which was part of the association's annual three-day convention which was held in the city during the weekend. Some beautifully restored and accurate early weapons were used at the shoot, which was notable for a high standard of marksmanship at distances up to 300 yards. The Martini-Henry shoot produced some astonishingly accurate marksmanship. Some of the weapons were of a type used in the early occupation of New Zealand. Two of the most interesting pieces were used by a ceremonial firing party which led off the shoot. They were French muskets made in 1876. Wearing uniforms of the 17th Hussars lent by the Army Department at Trentham, the group made a magnificently colourful scene as it marched from over the brow of a hill to the firing point on the West Melton range. Its members were B. Bellis • (drummer), of the Christchurch West High School), Messrs A. Williamson (musketeer), T Simpson (musketeer), D. Moody ♦standard bearer), and the officer in command of the party (Mr M. Brons). They were loudly applauded for their performance and smart military appearance. Results of the shoot were: King trophy (muzzle loaders): S. H. S. Peattie (Dunedin). Breech-loading riffe shoot: C. E. W. Burmeister (White Cliffs). Breech-loading rifle (open): K. McFadgen (South Canterbury). Clay pigeon shoot for muzzle - loading shotguns (static speed shoot): L. G. Perham (Christchurch). Clay pigeon shoot (moving targets): S. H. S. Peattie.