Women's rifle club formed 50yrs ago

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32966, 12 July 1972, Page 14

Women's rifle club formed 50yrs ago

The Government Buildings Ladies’ Rifle Club will hold a gathering today to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. It was on July 12, 1922. that the inaugural meeting was called to form a women’s club. Originally named Wards Ladies, the club was composed of the wives of members who shot for other clubs. The first annual meeting was held on April 24, 1923, and Mr A. G. Duncan was elected president. One item discussed at the meeting was the price of ammunition; this was fixed at 6d for eight shots and 2/6 for subscriptions—a far cry from prices today. The present president. Mr E. Weston,, has had a long association with the club,

and his wife was an original member. In latter years, their daughter has ably carried on the family shooting traditions. Many members from the club have gained representative honours. Mrs Weston and her daughter (Mrs McGill) won New Zealand titles. Although the club had difficulty in securing coaches during the war years and had its rifles purchased by the Government, it survived through social meetings. After the war, the club shifted from temporary premises to its present range—the basement of the Government Buildings. A special jubilee celebration. to which all previous members and husbands have been invited, will be a social evening on July 14.