Railway Rifle Club

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXI, Issue 3159, 20 April 1931, Page 5

Railway Rifle Club

Twelve members were present at the annual general meeting of the Cromwell Railway Miniature Rifle Club, held in tho Council Chambers on Thursday evening. Mr A. Dewar occupied the chair. of 'last annual meeting were- read and confirmed. The annual report and the balancesheet were read and adopted. The report was as follows: ''Your committee has much pleasure in presenting to you the second annual report and balance-sheet. For a club only in its second year of cxistenco the finances are in a very healthy state, thanks to the energetic work ol tho members of the committee and the hearty eo-operation of the members themselves. The club has been very fortunate in having- so many friends and supporters who donated trophies for competition, and special thanks are due to Mr R. Thomas for the free use of the range. The balance-sheet shows an actual cash balance of £7 5 s 7il, while the excess of assets over Inabilities is very encouraging and augurs well for the future of the club. Among our assets we have a very fine Shield /for permanent competition amongst members to comme\morate the memory of -that great man the late Dr Harrison. Last years membership totalled 34, an increase of one over the previous year. Of this num- , her twelve won trophies, which reflects credit) on the ability of members. During the year matches were arranged with outside clubs, and our club came out unbeaten in all these matches. Two matches were fired with the Invercargill club and one with the R.S.A., Dunedin. During the season five members scored the possible off the rifle, and this, as againsU one from the previous year, shows that good progress is being made in the art of shooting. The club entertained al party of Boy Scouts during the season and the enthusiasm shown by the boys left no doubt about the success of the night. A Cup was also presented by Wholesalers Ltd., for the best aggregate off the rifle, and this was won by Mr J.i O'Neill with the remarkable score of 04c out of a possible c>6o, a very fine performance. The Harrison Shield. for the best three shoots out of four, was won by Mr K. Lynch. In the Hunt Cup, the railway team proved too strong for the Cromwell team, winning this event thirteen times to Cromwell's three. In conclusion, appreciation must be expressed of the fine work done by the president, Mr G. Henderson, who was the pioneer of this club. Mr Henderson gave untiring service and valuable time to organise the club, and it is a great testimony to his work to have the club in such a state to-day. It is with much regret that an apology has to be tendered for Mr Henderson's absence, as he is laid aside with illness, and members will join sincerely in wishing him an early and complete restoration to health. A sad note has to be struck in recording the death of our friend and supporter tho late Dr Harrison, who was a great sport and a man willing to enter into the best with everyone." The chairman made further reference to the late Dr Harrison and as a tribute to his memory the meeting stood in silence.

Six new members were proposed and dulv elected.

The election of,office-bearers resulted as follows:—Patron, Mr G. Henderson; President, Mr A. Dewar; vicepresidents, Messrs L. J. Anderson, J, Roberts, L. Paterson, and J. Dennison; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. E. Webb ; armourer, Mr Boxes; target judges, Messrs O'Neill, Dewar. and Boyes ; sight testers and range officers.! Messrs) Sanders, jßramley.

Hughes, and Paterson; management committcq, president, secretary, and Messrs Paterson, O'Neill, Dennison, Middletou, and Boyes (after a balb.t> : handicappcr. Mr Boyes ; auditor, Mr Allen.

There was some discussion on the system of handicapping, but the matter was left entirely with the handicapper to use his own judgment. Mr Dennison brought up the question of improvement to the range, and hTs suirjrestion was adopted. a working bee to put the work in hand at once.

Opening night was fixed for 30th April. to take the form of a novelty handicap competition.

In connection with the Harrison Shield, it was decided to commence the series of four matches about the middle of May. This was in order that Mr B. Berry, ('hrisfchurch. one of the principal subscribers to (he trophv, could be present jis usual a I the final shoot during the first week in June. ,

The membership was fixed at 5s for present members, new members to pay i\ joining fee also of ss, which goes to the rifle fund. In connection with (In- building used for the range, appreciation was expressed of the generous assistance of Mr R. Thomas in srautimr this free of charge. Tf was suggested thai the club mighl secure a lease of this or consider the question of purchase, and Messrs Dewsir and Dennison wore appointed to interview Mr Thomas. It was agreed to purchase one new 8.5..-Y. rifle at once.

The question of optional sichters and the winning-of the gold and silver buttons created some discussion. In connection with the latter it was decided to award these as two separate prizes each night, the gold button for the highest score of the rifle.

Tile question .q/sightcrs was deferred until the matter of affiliating with the association was considered, when uniform rules will be available, tlie secretary to make inquiries. The meeting closed with the usual vote to the chair.