SHOULD GIRLS SHOOT?

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 272, 10 August 1908, Page 5

SHOULD GIRLS SHOOT?

. There is much talk of rifle clubs for Neiv Zealand men, .but: if: we took the' advice of ■Mr. Eustace Miles,.-who has recently been writing to^the Girl s Realm," we should at once try to establish throughout the Dominion rifle clflbs, for girls .as well, and, who knows, we might :in time come to look to them for the defence of theso islands. Mr Miles pleads that tho girl and tho rifle should be mutually acquainted. Ho argues that iUs, good physical training, demanding "firm centres and reliable "holding" muscles. Tho eye is instructed to accuracy, tho nerves must be steady Most of thoso who'want to shoot weh iind that they must give up bad ha nts, such as excessive cigarette-smoking, alcohol-drinking, strong tea or coffee drinking, and, generally, mistakes of diet, and mistakes of uncontrolled thought (anger, worrv, etc.). They must be at their best. They must be and keep masters of themselves long before they shoot. Shooting is one of the quickest tests of sensible living." Shooting also- teaches judgment, self-de-pendence, and accuracylt makes people accurate. . By the result of ono shot they can correct the' next. They can judge their acts by obvious results. Thoy remember their faults, and—if they are rational—avoid them in the futuro. In shooting, the effects are so immediate, so clear, so indisputable, that selfcorrection and accuracy are remarkably easy." Shooting has also its social vahie in providing opportunities for-.tho two sexes to meet in a friendly and healthy way. Mr. Miles, however, thinks that in shooting girls must not spill blood. They can learn much from tho &ir-pistol and air-gun.