TRENTHAM, 1909

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 449, 6 March 1909, Page 6

TRENTHAM, 1909

CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING.

THE WAY OF THE "FISH-TAIL"

SOME BRILLIANT SHOOTING.

For tho second day's shooting in £ne eighth annual meeting of the Dominion Rifle Association, a dead calm lay npon Trontham in the rarly hours of the morning, and after a freezing aight with blankets at a premium,. tho sun dispelled tho mists which hung over tho valley, and the day developed into a "broiler," under which qnite a number of marksmen were to bo seen with unseasonable-looking umbrellas tver their heads. By and by a breeze sprang •tip, puffed lazily, gathered strength and charicter, and by tho afternoon a regular Troniham "fish-tail" wind was frisking about the r.ingt>. Theso ■were tho conditions yesterday, ■when one of the Championship matches, *the "Nelson"—ten shots at 500 and 800 yds.—was fired. Latex, the first stage—2ooyds.—of the "Auckland" Match, another of the Championship serie3 was got through, and an oitra match—seven shots at 900 yds.—completed. SYNOPSIS OF RESULTS. First Day: - - Volunteer Match.—Won by Sergt.-Major A. Hyde, Hawke's Bay Mounted Rifles; aggregate score, 98 points. ■ Rifle Club Match.—Won by Rifleman C. H. •Speck, Stratford; aggregate score, 102 points. Carbine Cup.—Won by Rifleman C. H. Speck, Stratford, whose score, 102 points, was the highest compiled in matches 19 and 20 (volunteers and riflemen). Extra Match (No. 1).-Won by Rifleman J. A. Franklin, Weber; score, 35 points (the "posExtra Match (No. 2).—Won by We. "Drummond, Denniston Rifles; score, 34 points. Second Day: ' Nelson Match.-Won by Pte. W. H. Boys, Newtown Rifles; aggregate score. 98. Runnerup: Pte. J. A. Duley, Dannevim Rifles; aggregate score, 97. Extra Match, No. 3.— Pte, W. E. Boys, Timaru; score,' 33. Runner-up, G. Howe, Ngatiawa, 33. , Extra Match, No. 4.-Sergt. Sountag, Dunedin, 34. Rifleman W. J. Henry, Opaki, 34. ON THE MOUNDS. NOTES ON THE SHOOTING., With the opening day well over; and the shooting completed, the marksmen yesterday settled down to very serious business —one of the Championship matches, the "Nek ison"—a ten shot, two-range contest, at 500 and ;800yds. ■ Firing commenced in perfect weather, '■and the scoring was of such a brilliant character that nothing less, than 4S conld be.recoginised as really telling marksmanship. Quite a (number of possibles were scored in the 500 yds. stage of the match,' the marksmen being Pte.' <S Bowe, AncUand; Rifleman AVulianis, FeaUherston; Corp. Biggs, Christchurch; Corp. C. Forbes, Napier Guards; J. J.- Preston, AuckJland; Rifleman Duthie, Christchurch; Gunner 'P AV. Ching, AVellington Permanent. Force; Corp. J. Marshall.' AVaikare; Capt N. Dodds, /Port Chalmers Navals. : • ■ ' . ' ~, At the ■ 800 yds. ran»e the scorers of possibles vere Riflemen Guy, Kaponga, and Sergt. "Wills, /Southland. The possibles in this one match, therefore, totalled nine at 500 yds., and two >at 800 yds. . There; must have. been over' 20 ■ marksmen within one point of the possible at isooyds. . "' • In addition to the first ten on this pnzci'list there were, Q.M.S. ATella, Dunedin; Pte. 'j. J. Preston, Auckland;' Eifleman Tarr, Karori; Bifleman Mellor, Petone; Pte. James, •Napier; Lieut. Duncan, Millorton; Eiileman JOfroy, Nelson; BL lierrielees, Johnsonvillo; "Eifleman M'Kenzie, Opaki; Eifleman Standidge, Tarata; Sergt. Page, Masterton; Pte.Drummond, and Sergt Needham, Palmerston North; Pte. A. AVing, Eoyal Eiiles, Pte. Mooro, Timaru Guards; Pte.lVßolton, Pabiataa;•••.Q.-M.b,' Hoonan, North Canterbury Infantry.Battalion; Lieut., Trimbell; Linwood; Sergt. AVakelin,. Post and Telegraph Eifles; Lieut. Origley,, Oamarn. . - • ••• • ■•■-■• Tour hundred and oighty-five points were scored by Pte. Sorenson,. Auckland; Gunner M'Donald, Dunedin; Eifleman G. H. Halhday, Karori; Eifleman A. France, Karon; Sergt. AVhittey Kaiapoi; Rifleman MCalmont, Opaii; Pte. F. AV. Mackay, Dunedin; Pte. A. Dippie, Dnnedin; Eifleman Cameron,' Opaki; Pte. Paten, Dannevirke; Eifleman J. E. Franklin; SeM Tinney, AVellington Guards; Eifleman G Dick, Eiversdale; Pte. AV. B. Eoutley, Hutt A r alley Eifles; Pte. G. T. Krerschmas, Auckland; Eifleman E. P. AVflton, Maunceyille; Pte \eilsen, Dannerirlte; Eifleman G. M Kec, Te Aroha; Eifleman B_ J. Kennard, Linton; •Rifleman J. Marsh, Mangorier Eifleman Collins Pnlceokahu; -Eifleman Boulter, Chnstchuroh; Eifleman AV. Judd, Karori; Eifleman AVilson, Canvastown; IJeut. Hawthorn, Civil •Service Eiflea; Pte. M'Carthy, Victoria Eifles; Pte. Proffitt, Auckland; Bill em an'J. C. Begg, ■•Eiversdale; Eifleman E. J. King, Opaki; Pte. Mayhew, Manchester Eiflea; .beret Cowan, •Oreti Eifles; Capt. Cox, A'ictona Eifles; Eine•jnan Bulford, Karori; Eifleman B. O. Lewer, ; Karori; Sergi Saner, AVaimate; Col.-Sorgt. . Ching, AVaimea. ■' ; ~ „ The 800 yds. range brought about a slump fin high scoring. TheTe was only one 49, which 'was put on by Corp. Kells. of Palmerston i North. The 48*s numbered four—Gunner JlilRN.Z.A.; Eifleman AVinslade, Opaki; Pafl'eman F. C. Franklin, AVeber; and Pte. Belb, Manchester Eifles. ' . .

THE LUCK OF. SaUAD 13. Gentle breezes; constantly varying,' brought consternation' to the ranges yesterday afternoon. The first-year men were amazed, and the old hand 3 smiled knowingly, lhis was Trentham, they said. And the scores wero ; uniformly low. . On the Sommorville Range, where 25 squads were firing from the 200 yds. mound, only one "possible" was obtained during the afternoon, by Q.M.S.' E. Shaw, of the Second Battalion, Auckland E.V. Others tbade 49, 48, and 47, but the only squad which ; maintained anything like consistency was No, 13. The eleven membors of that company all obtained over 40—one made 48, six 47, and two 6—and' tho average score of the squad was 46.2. Particulars of this remarkable score-board , are as follow.— ■ . ■ . E. J. S. Spencer, linton Rifle Club • I 5-5455455445 46 I H. K. Keene, Ruahine Rifle Club ] 4-5555554445 47 : J. 'W. Gardner, Pukeokahu Rillo Club i ■ . . 4-5455545544 46 ! Corpl. Fisher, Stoke Rifles 4-5545555454 47 i L. Kitchen, Upper Hutt Rifle Club ■ • ■ ■ 5-4555554555 48 Sergt. Dakiell, Palmorstan Guards j ... 5-4555554545 47 i Col.-Sergt. Hadfield, Blenheim Riile3 i . ■ . 5-5354555555 47 I W. Winslade, Opaki Rifle Club 4-4141544555 41 i Lce.-Corpl. D. H. Butcher, Dunedin City Guards ■ ' . 4-55455M554 47 • Sergt. F. W. Wickens, D Battery 5-5555454545 47 H. Garden, Rivorton D.R.C. 4-4154143545 42 Average score per man, 46.2.

THE PRIZE LIST.

The following are the results of matches in the championship series as far as they have gOne: ~ No, 3.-NELSON MATCH. Ten shots each at 500 yards and 800 yards. 500 800 yds. yds. T'l. £5 Pte. W. H. Boys, Newton Eifles 19 49 98 £\ Pte. J. A. Duley, Dannevivke Rifles 49 48 97 '£-i Sergt. J. Mills, Dunedin Guards 49 43 97 '£3 Col.-Sergt. Higgins, Timaru 48 48 % £3 RiUeraan Sopor, Tua Jfarina 49 47 96 Sorgt. Lee, Oreti Kifies ... 49 47 90 £2 Rifleman Guy. Kaponga ... 45 50 95 £2 Vic. 3. Frederick, Marton ... 47 43 95 £2 Capt. King, Linwood ... 47 48 95 £2 Rilleman Jl'Lachlan, Petone 48 17 96 Pto. Sorensen, Newton Bides, 95; Lieat. Dnncan, Millerton Rifles. 95; Rifleman Milroy, Neleon 95; Rifleman Rennie, Christohureh, 94; Corp. White, ]?ranklin, 91; Rifleman Craw, Lihton, Si; Rifleman Halliday, Karon, 94; Rifleman Standish, Tarata, 91; Pte. Drummond, Duniiiston, 91) Gunner Ching Wellington, 94; Corp. Kolis, Palmerston North 93; Rifleman Wiiislade, Opaki, 93; Rifleman Bishell, Tarata, S;j; Pte. Marett, Taranaki, 93; Biileman PeterBcn Taranaki, 93. Rifleman Mnrphy, Newton I HK W?Corp. Bellaney, Matanra, 93; Sorgt. WMis, Waikato JI.R., 93; Pte. Brown, Daniicvirke Rifles, 93; Rifleman France, Karon, 93; Eifeman M'Calinont, Opalci, 93; Corp. Forbe?, N-npier Guards, 93; Pte. J. J- Preston, Auckland, 93; Sergt. Wills Southland Rifles 92; Gunner Watson, R.N.Z.A., 92; Lce.-Corp. Jordan N.Z.8.V., 92; Pte. John Preston, Aucklnm, 9H; Bngler Soler, Wanganm, 92; Cant. Sommerville, Alexandra Rifles, 92; Sergt. Stock,,

Palmerston North, 02; Corp. H. Huwyler, AVanganui, 92; Col.-Sergt. Harrison, AVauganui, 02; Rifleman Craw, Chorlton, 92 j Pte. Johnston, Dunedin, 02; Pte. M'Kay, Dunedin, 9-j Pte. Dippie, Dunedin, 02; Sergt. Nceiihnm, Palmorston North, 02; Corp. Marshall. AN aikaro, 02; Corp. Moore, Ota»o, »l; ™<™™ M'Lagrm, Kaponga, 91 J Q.M.S. Shuw, Auckland, 91; Pie. Morrison, Dunedin, 9t; Ktllciimn.KcnniDg. Tadmor, 01; Rifleman Hyde, Opaki, 91, Trooper Marenzi, Etotahnna Mounted Rifles, 91 ; beret Yates, Napier, 01; Rifleman bnuCn. KoUukohu, 91; Col.-Sergt Hadfield Blenheim, 91; Sergt. Anderson, Auckland, 91; Rifleman M'lntosh, Opaki, W; Pte. Storkey, Napier, 01; Rifleman Cameron, Opak , 91; Lient. Timbrcll, Linwootl, 91; Sergt. Wakohn, Post and leloKiUcsl Wellington, 01; Copt. Dobta, NZ.G.A.V., 91; Rifleman Franklin, Weber, 90. Pto. Belk, Feildiog. 90; Pte. Hogg. Diracdin, 00; Rifleman Roberts, Petouo, 00; Corp. DunmCo'untedm out: Corp. Patrick, G. Lovcday, J. Dmnunond, G. A. Trovelyan, W. M'ConneU, C. H. Wilson, Scrgt.-Mnjor Farqnharson. Goo. Grant, Lieut. Holdgate, B. Paten, J. B. Franklin. W. G. Tarr. ■ ; „ Tho following tyros won prizes of £1 eaeli:Sergt. Sutherland, Gcraldino, 90; Corpl Porteous, Caversham. 00; Pte. Campbell Oreti 00; Gunner M'Donald, N.Z.G.AA.. 90; Pte. J. B. Prescon. Auckland. 00; Rifleman Duthie, Cliristchnrch, 00; Pte. Rowe, Auckland, 90; Corpl. Campbell, S.C. Reserve, 89; Pte. Cooper, Prizes of 10s. -.-Gnnner Greenfield, Diincdin, SO; Corpl. Alboronah, Nelson, 89; Lieut Ongley, Oamaru, SO; Gunner Milroy, Wellington, S3; Pte. Jarvis, Napier Guards. 88; Rlleman M'Mahon, Sounds. 87; Lieut. Hood, Masterton, 87; Kifleraati M'Kee, Tβ Aroha, 8.; Corpl. Smith, Hastings, 87; BilUman Batt, ilangaweka, S7; Gunner Boon. Wellington, S7; Sergt. Soper, Marlboronsth, 87; Lient. Memclees, Johnsonville. 87; Sorgt. P. Hadfield Blenhemi, %: Fte. AV. Preston, Auckland, 86; Lorpl. Mathewson, N.Z.C.A.V., SG; Pte. Dodd, Wellington, S8; Corpl. Wellsford, Alexandra. 8G; Vtl Fisher, AA'ellington, 86; Sergt. Dalziell, Palmerston, BG.

Following are tho scores of the Wellington men who took part in tho Nelson Alatcn:— Petone Rifle Club.-J. M'Lachlan. 48, 47-95; J. T. Roberts, 43, 47-90; AV. H. Thomas, 4., 42-S9; A. Butler. 48, 40-88) J- Carter, «, 4t-BS; X. S>. Hvwisrewi, 4.3, 42-So; Mellor, 49, 32-81; G. AV. Lacey, 44, 35-79; J. AAilson, tt, M-TB J. H. Ross, 43, 32-75; E. Johnson, 39, 35-M; C. Hollard, 42, 30-72; D. Gay, 33, 3S-71; %L r Z Sl TelSrS 6S Bifle,-Ser ? t. ATakelin 49,42-91; Sergt Gilbert, «,4!WB; Corpora Jones, 45. 42-S7; Lieut. Bolton, 45. 3a-S0; Lieut Collins, 32, 44-76; Private Gower. 42, 33-75; Private Davidson, 30, 33-68. > AVellinston Navals.—Gunnei 1 Day. 41, iu— 81; W. I Gibbs, 44, 36-80; P.O. Jaffray, 40, Gunner Hosie, 39, 0-39. Civil Service Rifles :-Lieut. Hawthorn, 48, 41-89; Private Fischer, 47, 33-5(3; Private Gazlcv 47-33-80; Pte. Law, 38, 42-SO; Sergt. Butcfier, 40, 35—75; Corp. Joplin, 36. 2S-G4. Karori Rifle Club.-G. Halliday, 4S, 4S-94 A France 48 45-03; B. O. Lewer, 4S, 41-S9; J." Burns, 46 42-83; H J. Bulford. 48. 37-S5; C. Hodder, 43, 41-85; J. Turner, 4,, 3S-8,,, A Marchant 44, 39-83; H. Marshall, 44, 09-S3; WE A ton 45, 37-S2; W. Judd, 4S, .44-2; J. M. Rabe, 42. J. Henfloll, 39, 41-80; F Standidge, 42, 38-80; J. Greenwood, 4G, 3076; A. C. iAlaisey, 42, 33-76. Permanent Forces.-Gnnner Watson, 45, it— 92-1 Gunner Milroy, 48, 40-88; T. A. Otton, 42, "johnsonville Rifles.-Lient Merrilees, 49, QQ gy ' AVellington Guards.-Corp- Smart 4t, ®-®l Sergt: Tinney, «. 31 ~ 79 ; pte - M'Whirter, 45, ■ ,ffl ipper-.Hutt Rifle Club.-W. Greig, 44, 40U; C. AVhiteman, 47, 37-84; L. Kitchen, 44, 3M2; J. Whitemnn, 41, 41-82; F Paul, fl, 38-79; J. F. Thomson, 46, 30-76; Tuke AVhitemHiitt Valley Rifles.-Lient Hollard 47, 3986; Pte. Routley, 48, 37-85; Pte. Wood, 36, Cycle Corps.-Pte. Julian, 41, 34-75. Wellington Engineers—Sergt. Mitchell, 46, AVeUington City Riflos.-Pte. Mears, 45, 39-8-1- Pte. Lane, 32, 40-72; Pte. Pitcher, 37, 34— 71; Pte. Price, 37, 32-rG9. D Battory.-Lieut. Skelley, 46, 42-88; Gunner Plimmer, 43, 41—87; Sergt. AVickens, 44, 41—85.

EXTRA MATCH, No. 3. . ~; Seven-shots at 900 yds. Eesults:— £1 Pte. W.'E. Boys, Timarn 33 ;i7s.6d. Rifleman G. "How, Ngatiawa ... 32 10s. prizes': i?ergt. Melville, Waikato; Rifleraan J. L. Turner, Petone; Surgeon-Capt. M'Knight, Maniatoto; Lieut.,lrvine, .Nelson; Rifleman R. F. Wilton, Mauriceville; Sergt.Morgan, Auckland; Sergt. Stock, Palmerston North;- Pte. Harding, Masterton; Sergt. Jl'Cardle and Sergt. Frank, Nelson; 32 points each. - EXTRA MATCH, No. 4. ■ ' Seven shots, at 600 yds. Results:— 225. Gd. Pte. Sountag, Dunedin 34 225. 6d. Rifleman W. J. Hemy, Opaki ... 3-i 15s. prizes.—Rifleman M'lntosh, Opaki; Pte. Boys, Timaru; Rifleman M'Almont, Opaki; Rifleman Craw, Charlton; 33 points each. 12s. Gd. prizes.—Sergt. Necdham, Palmerston North; Rifleman Halliday, Karori; Rifleman Seed, Pongaroa; 32 points each. 8s: fid. prizes.—Rifleman Thomson,' Upper Hutt; Lient. Johnson, Nelson; Pte. 11'Kay, Dnnedin; Sergt. Mitchener, Nelson; Pte. Rontlcy, Hutt Valley Rifles; Rifleman Hyde, Opaki; l 31 points each. . A RANGE CONTROVERSY. WHAT AEE RICOCHET HITS? The difference between a "ricochet" hit and a pure, plain, ciean-cut hit is all the diffcrenco between a score and a blank. In bull's-eye shooting, ricochets count nothing. The difficulty is to determine when a ricochet is not a ricochet, for it is hold by some that all are not ricochets that ricochet. Some bullets are considered to be the victims of circumstances entiroly unconnected with those which contribute to ricochets; this and multifarious sido issues are the subjects of much interesting controversy on the range at Trentham just now, and riflemen generally should bo interested to hear what an authority on tho art of musketry —Stall Sergi-Major John Eosb, formerly of the Hythe School of Musketry, England—has to say on the question. Sitting in Tire Dominion tent at Trentham yesterday, he discoursed lcatnedly about ricochets, foul rifle-barrels, metalled bores, angle of Tiochet, etc. "There is no mistaking a genuine ricochet which strikes the target," he Baid, and went on to explain why. When a bullet ricochets, i.0., is deflected from its courso by some object encountered on its trajectory or path, it glances sharply oH at a great angle, and unless, the ricochet occurred quite oloso to the butts, would rise above the target. Hence, when a bullet ricochets, and hits tho target, the locality of the ricochet is so close to the targot that tho marker in tho trench must becoino awaro of the fact—ho is frequently spattered by tho dust occasioned by the ricochet, and pieces of grass and turf aro often spurted over the targot. Tho bullet being turned and often knocked out of Bhape by tho ricochet, cuts, if it strikes tho targot, an irregular holo quito unlike tho clean circle cut by a bullet travelling under normal conditions; the hole is either a "key-holo" cat, made by tho bullet striking tho target sideways, or'an irregular jagged tear, mado by a misshapen bullet. The present controversy arose from the fact that a "key-hole" out in the target was. frequently regarded as prima facio ovideuco of a ricochot, and signalled as a "miss." The Sorgt.-Major, on this point, stated his opinion that a "key-hole" might ariso from quite a difforent canso than tho bullet ricochetting, and gave instances. He cited, first of all, tho "metalled bore" trouble, which was frequently caused by tho barrel becoming metalled, that is, coated with the nickel from the bullet. Old rifle-barrels inevitably becoino metalled, and "shot out" in courso of time, tho limit of tho averngo barrel being about 8000 rounds; but new barrels frequently Buffered from the practice, much in ovidenco in Now Zealand, ot scrowing-up the barrel-bands, particularly the front ono, leaving an insufficient allowance for expansion through heat; while the rest of tho barrel expanded, that portion at the band remained contracted, with tho result that from tho friction of tho bullet at this point, tho barrel was coated with nickel, a condition which lessened the "spin" of the projectile, and not infrequently caused it to strike tho target sideways, registering an apparent "ricochet," but actually a hit. "Fouled" barrels might be expected to bohave liko this. From which it will be seen that, in fact, all that ricochet aro not ricochets, and tho only satisfactory principle to lay down is that tno markor must not accept as prima facie evidence of a ricochet a "key-hole on his target; ho must havo tho knowledge that tho ballet struck tho bank immediately in front of the target. A ricochetting bullet, stated Scrgt.-Maior Rose has been known to travel for another IGOO yards. The theory tbat a long-range bul-let-SOO to 1000 yds.-could bo sufficiently weakened in force as to bo deflected by a pull of wind was hot sound. Bullets had been known to travel up to a distance of 3600 odd yards, and, at a third of the distance, under normal conditions of efficient barrels and good ammunition, Bhould havo a high velocity at thc«o fAwxter ranges.

EMPIRE MATCH. Under (ho anspices_ of tho Commonwealth Council of tho Association of Australia, an "Empire Match," open to teams consisting of eight men from tho naval and military forces of tho United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, India, Australia, and other units of th.6 Empire, and dnly accredited by the Council of tho Eillo Association or associations of such units respectively, will bo fired at Randwick range, Sydney, late in Octobor or early in November next. . ' Tho team to represent New Zealand will be selected towards tho closo of the championship mooting nt Trentliam next week. The match was previously fixed at Sydney on October 28 and 29 respectively, and won by Australia with an aggregato score of 2101 points. New Zealand came next with 205G, beating Great Britain by a margin of thrco points. The match is a sis-range contest, ten shots each at 200, 500, GOO, 800. 900, and 1000 yards, any military position. The following were the results achieved by the New Zealand representatives in 11)07 (tho team commandant was Lieut.-Colonel Cresswell):— 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. G. T'l. Pte. Purnell ... 45 4G 43 47 .45 33 265 Sorgt. Mills ... 4G 48 45 43 44 37 2G3 Eiflmn A. Bollinger '46 « 45 42 46 37 260 Kflmn Masefield ... 44 48 43 48 43 32 258 Lce.-Corp Avson ... 46 47 43 44 41 37 258 Rifleman Wilkio ... -44 42 44 47 4G 31 254 Rifleman Craw ... 4S 43 44 43 42 32 202 Rifleman .Cameron 41 45 44 45 35 33 246 Total ... ... T..~.r 205 G. SOME OF THE TARGETS.

Ten shots at 500 yds.: 2-5545555555-49. " His Tirs"i S-mv<«Vss*. W No. 2.

Ten ehots at 800 yds.: 5—5j555-1J55J—41

Pte. AV. Boys, Newton Rifles, Auckland— Winner of the Nelson Match, with an aggregate ecore of 98,(49-49). This it Pto. Boys's first important win; he is an ex-raember of tho old C Batftry, of Timaru, since converted into the Timarn City Rifles, and comes of a shooting family. ,

Notwithstanding the " Fish-tail."

• Corpl. Kells, Palmcrston North Biflcs, Nelson Hatch, ten shots at 800 yds.: 0—5155555555 —19. Tho corporal's miss with the sighting shot was inadvertent; ho fired at his neighbour's target, scoring a i, which, of course, was not credited to him; to add to his troublos he encountered a fish-tail. Ho lay down in a 4-degree right wind, which shifted round to 5 degrees left after his second shot had been fired; he was prepared for the fishtail, however, and secured eight consecutive bulls. RICOCHETS. Owing to tho somewhat unanticipated increase in the nuinbor of entries, tho camp commandant (Colonel Collins) has had to send for an additional supply of tho "Trentham" brand (J.A.C. ammunition—3o,ooo rounds, making a total supply of 150,000 rounds for tho big meeting. Tho extra supply was delivered vory smartly, tho consignment reaching Trentham yesterday afternoon. In tho past complaint was sometimes made that ,tho targets wero not "plumb"—riflemen aro the hardest sot of men to please anywhere. This year, however, ovcrybody is perfectly satisfied. Even wero a circular target not exactly plnrab, what marksman would bo tho wiser, or actually a suifercr by its misbehaviour? Answer—nono. Colonel Collins has announced that arrangements will bo maJo for hits on tho runningman to bo "spotted," i;e,, the locality of tho hit to bo indicated by a spotting-disc. The announcement was inauo at tho morning parade and received with applause Young shots who aro making their first visit to Trentham this year find that they havo many points to mast>r in tho mailer of olovation. Some riflemen, who havo been in the habit of shooting with 1903, 1904, and 1905 carlridges, have learned thai ammunition manufactured recently has much greater strength. That cordito deteriorates with ago is well known, but not many marksmon realised that thiro could bo such difference in its power until thoy lay down at tho Trentham ranges on Thursday. A southern volunteer found that, at 800 yards, ho had to bring his sights down five feet from their old position before finding tho target. Tho ammunition supplied to riflemen at Trentham is a special 1908 consignment. 'Itotired with tail down," appeared on ono of tho score-boards at tho SAOycls. range- yostcrday afternoon, when tho last low rounds of tho Nelson Hatch wero being fired. Tho writer of this does diro pronouncement, a "Wellington volunteer, had just laid down his rillo, and had relieved the scorer at the easel. Jlis aggregate was o—seven shots having been lost in tho sido of tho hill. Tho last three had not boon fired. A reporter remarked sympathetically about tho trickiness of the wind, whereat tho unlucky marksman explained tly\t ho had not coino anywhere- nenr the tnrgot. "Elevation all wrong," he added pensively. Tho population of "Canvastown," an important mushroom community in tho neighbourhood of Upper JJult, numbers 718, made up as follows:— Competitors 5!I0 Executivo C'ommitlco and rango officers 28 Clerks and working staff 17 Catering department .18 Press roprps»ntiilives 12 Permanent Artillery 81 Telegraph staff ... : .1 Total 718 The following have been selected to represent their respective districts in tho "Pelorus Jnjh" Challcngo Shiold competition between Nelson and Auckland—Nelson: iUnscfield, Tladficld, Ching, Milroy, Irvino, D-riimmnnd, Duncan, Taylor, Frankbitrg, and Guy. Auckland: Atkinson, Cnpt. Cox, Scrgt. Cox, lidgeoumbo, Ktmpton, Motion, Patriot, Potior, Lovod&y, Ye*