IN THE BLOOD

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 152, 21 March 1924, Page 6

IN THE BLOOD

FOUR GENERATIONS OF RIFLE SHOTS Notable visiters to the National Rifle Association’s meeting at Trentham this vear ara Major F. AV. Sandford. and his son. late Lieutenant, now Rifleman E. F. Sandford, of Christchurch. . , ,< • It is interesting to learn that Major Sandford is the son of John Sandford, who started sheeting with the old Enfield rifle in 1861. and became known as a fine marksman. Major Sandford followed his father’s liking for the sport and commenced with the Snyder, in 1874. and later shot with the Martini-Henry. In his day he represented Canterbury and was selected to go to Australia, but owing to a misunderstanding, ho did not make tlm trip. „ , Rifleman E. F. Sandford, memlier of the Christchurch Club, started shooting 30 years ago, and first attended ” Trentham when the Government took charge of affairs there. Since 1902 he has put up many splendid performances. He wont to Bisley in 1904. figured prominently, and in the same year captured the Corporation and City of London Cup. which wns open to colonial coinjietitors. He won a rifle for hi- performance in the 600 yards match of the first stage of tho King’s, heating over 2000 men. Since then he has shot in Australia, and also against Now South AValcs in 1911. and for tho Gordon Highlander trophy. in all of which he was success-Lance-Corporal G. Sandford-, who is a son of Air. E. F. Sandford, belongs to fix’ Christchurch Technical College Cadets, and, as a members of the fourth generation, is a budding rifle shot. He is only 15 years of age. anil competed nt the Armv service meetin<r held at Trentham last week. It is noteworthy that he commenced bv winning tho first match, and secured a prize in every other match.