RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 755, 2 March 1910, Page 7

RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP.

THE TRENTHAM MEETING. OPERATIONS COMMENCE ON . FRIDAY. - Riflemen who intend going into camp at '-Trcnthnm to take part in the jubilee meeting of the New Zealand. Rifle Association, which is ■to commence on Friday, are coming into town from all quarters of the Dominion, and a record gathering is looked forward to. The entries last year numbered 504, which constituted a record for the meeting, but this total had. been beaten on the figures recorded yesterday morning, 521 entries having been received for the first match. With a number of nominations still known (0 be coming along, it is anticipated that the total entry will be something in the vicinity of 600. The Australian team and 11 number of volunteers who came to. Wellington for tho Kitchener camp are already on the spot, over 200 men in all being under canvas now. This number will 'be'largely increased to-day, and by to-mor-row, the greater portion of the competitors will be on the convincing ground. j Colonel Collins and his staff have completed all their arrangements for tho camp, and arrangements have been made to,commence shooting at about 9 a.m. on Friday, this hour having been fixed' to givo competitors from a distance every opportunity of being present at the rising of the curtain. From Saturday on to the end of the -meeting shooting will begin at 6.30 a.m. or 7 a.m. Although there are more entries this year than ever before, it is estimated that the meeting will be disposed of in a day less than in previous years. Tho visit of Lord Kitchener has made the meeting a day late in starting, but instead of observing the first. Saturday for service matches and contest matches as previously, championship firing will go on. all day. Those in charge of the arrangements have brought the management of the big meeting to a fine art, and they have little fear that they enhriot make up the lost day. The Australian team has beon ; puttinß in some good practice work on the range, which has.not boon opon to all-comers. From to-morrow morning, however, the ranges will be open for general practice. 1 The Wellington Highlanders will be represented at the championship meeting by Lieut: Henderson, Corporal Shannon, and Privates Eves, Sf'lvor, and MTLean.