Pistol titles at stake

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33189, 31 March 1973, Page 48

Pistol titles at stake

Marksmen from the Heretaunga (Welling- l ton) club have dominated the New Zealand pistol shooting titles in recent years. And they seem certain to retain their grip on the national championships at the Burnett range on April 14 and 15. However, the increasing I popularity of the sport is | i evident from the record num-1 i ber of competitors and of the i j clubs they represent. i Shooters will be firing from'

the range that will be used for the Commonwealth Games and it is hoped that the rapid-fire equipment will have been installed. ■ The Australian marksman, T. Anderson, who recorded highest scores in most events last year but was ineligible for the trophies, will again compete. He has been assisting the coaching of the national trialists from which the Commonwealth Games 'members will be selected. B. N. McMillan (Hereitaunga), the first pistol i shooter to represent New Zealand at the Olympic j Games, will defend his rapid 'fire title against a clubmate,

J. E. Howat, and the promising B. Loveridge (Wanganui). The title-holder, F. N. Hayes (Heretaunga), and the North Island champion, W. Harper, from Christchurch, should dispute the free pistol championship. Other championship shoots to be decided are the centre fire, standard pistol and air pistol events. For the third time New Zealand will name a team of 10, and two reserves, for the international postal contest. On the previous occasions the national side has not fared ven’ well, but should perform better this year as the standard is improving.