STRUGGLE FOR-BELT

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 152, 21 March 1924, Page 8

STRUGGLE FOR-BELT

H. SIMMONDS IN LEAD TRENTHAM AGGREGATE WON BY F. H. JAMES A UNIQUE SCORING BOARD Competitors at the National Rifle Association meeting at Trentham will be given their last opportunity to-day to qualify for the shoot off for the .King’s Prize and the Ballinger Belt to-morrow. When shooting was resumed yesterday it was evident that there would be a ’stern struggle, particularly in view of tho remarkably hirii scoring that had so «:>r cnaracter ised the meeting. Trentham was at its best for the early shoots, and possibles were no rarity. In tact, one scoriim board was unique 111 the history of Dominion rifle shooting, in that all‘but the last mah,secured possibles without the necessity of a sighted This board, which was rushed bv 1.-resa ■photographers, read as follows. I McPherson (Tapanui), 5555555000— Tobin (Whangarei), 5005505a50—50. Boon (Karori), 555555-1550—50 West (Okawa), 5550000000—50. Higgs (New Plymouth), 5532-154525 -41 This remarkably fine performance was watched by a big gathering. Higgs opened well, but fell victim to a tricky fish-tail wind. r , • The Wellington Match was fired in the morning at ranges 530 and 600 vards Conditions were g< ne.rallv favourable. At 500 yards the marksmen were shooting from “dead in” to three degrees left, although the flags . were inclined to be deceptive. The visibility was good. W. West (Okawa), who happened to bo the fourth man to shoot on tho lucky board dropped 2 points at 600 yards, and came out with 98 to lead I. A. Blackwood (11inaru) by 3 points, and win the match The contest, including the phenomenal scorinc board, illustrates in a striking manner the keen competition prevailing this year, although the influence of” the generally favourable weather cannot be overlooked. The tvros also are shooting well enough to find many of them in the prize money cf A and B grades. . , A great deal of interest centred round the Returned Soldiers’ Match (10 shots at 500 yards and 600 y and the keenest rivalry existed. Dio Machine-gun Battalion secured a onepoint win from the M eilmgton Regiment No. 1 team, the success being largely due to the performance of R Baride, who secured 95. Private Onshot best for the runners-up aM be made 93. The Canterbury Regiment filled third place „ With the brilliant total of <..36, I'. rl. James captured the Trentham Agerregate, comprising the highest scores at 300, 500, and' 600 yards in the B series. The winner takes the Carbine Cup. a B.S.A. presentation rifle and £5. Rifleman James, who conies from Napier, is a notably consistent shot. W. H. West (Blenheim) and H. V. Croxton (Karori), two other prominent marksmen, filled second and third places resjiectively. A start was also made in tho mornino- with tho Dominion klatch, which will bo concluded this niorniiig. Uns match comprises 15 shots at 600 J aids and 10 shots at 1000 yards, but-does not count for the Champion Belt or Bislev or Trentham aggregates Die outstanding performance m this was the fine performance put up by D. T Anderson (Haituna). who registered a' possible by getting 15 successive bulls at 600 yards. The Sir Logan Campbell. Shield, awarded to the champion service team, was won by tho Wanganui team, who incidentally won tho shield last year, and have now earned the right to retain it for al) time. Early in the afternoon it became evident that the weather conditions were going to set the riflemen a severe, task at 800 and 900 yards, oyer which ranges the Otago match was fired, and before the match had fairly commenced intermittent showers of rain and a fitful wind, varying from 2 1t0>3 degrees right to as much as 13 degrees left, made tho outlook bad. Consequently good scores were isolated, anti many 'of the leading riflemen, to use their own term, “crashed ’ Simmomls was the only competitor who could manage the tricky conditions, and he camo from the mounds with 91, in which he dropped 8 jionits at tho longer range. He won the Otago match, and R. Caughley (Kartiri) was second with 90. The Islington Cup, awarded to tlw winning team in the tile competition, has been won by Alknraua with 60 points. Kaiapoi, Karori No. 1. and Wanganui teams tied for second place with ”55 points. The most noticeable feature of yesterday's shooting in its effect on the aggregate was the splendid recovery inade bv H. Simmonds (Wanganui), from sixth place to the premier position. F. H. James, who was leading tlie day previously, has gone to second place, six points behind. lv. J. Gillicfc (Kiwi) shot consistently enough yesterday io gain him third place, although 'Blackwood (Tnnaru) has the same total. •,,■•. During the afternoon the Minister of Defence (Sir Heaton Rhodes) attended and was an interested spectator at tho ranges. Iho Minister will attend again. with Lady Rhodes to present the prizes to-morrow. Colonel HugT.es and Major F E. l\labin (cam" commandant and entertainment officer) inspected tho camp yesterday, and were extremely pleased with the conduct of the competitors and tho conditions generally. The entertainments provided by Major Mabin are being greatly appreciated, and the big Y.M.C.A. lecture hall was crowded last night, when a good programme was presented. To-night tho camp will be afforded an opportunity of listening-in to radio concerts in Wellington and other parts of tho Dominion, this having been arranged bv Mr. W. Ballinger. ‘The secretarv (Mr. W. G. Fellingham) statistical officer (Captain D. C. Felton), and staff and other controlling officers are responsible for ,tho splendid management of affairs. The promptitude of the pay office and those officers dealing with the results is one of the pleasing features. To-day’s programme will commence at 8 a.'m. with the firing of the Hawke’s Bay Match and tho conclusion of the Dominion Match (1090 vards). At 11 a.m. the Taranaki Match will be fired, and at 1.30 p.m. it is hoped to dispose of Champion Teams’ Match. If the circumstances permit, an extra match will bo fired. Following are yesterday’s results : —

TRENTHAM AGGREGATE. Awarded to competitors whose respective scores at 300, 500, and GOO yards in the B series make up the highest aggregate. B.S.A. rifle, Carbine Cup, and £5 p, H. James (Napier) 436 £4 AV. IT. West (Blenheim) .... 429 £3—H, V, Croxton (Karori) 423 £2—G. L. Evans (Christchurch) .. 421 £1 each—S. Elliott (Akarana). 420; 11. T. Boon (Karori), 420; H. Simmonds (Wbaigsaui), 420; H. Harrm

(Christchurch), 419; W. H. Ballinger (Petone), 418; C. J. Nix (Featherston), 418; J. A. Blackwood (Timaru), 417; M. C. Connor (Okawa), 416; 11. E. Hester (Suburbs), 416; H. R. Hunt (Suburbs). 416; R. J. Gillick (Kiwi), 415; T. Orr (Greytown), 414; R. J. King (Opaki), 414; R. C. Barklo (Akarana), 412; H. Reynolds (Christchurch), 412; L. A. Caldwell (Karori), 411 ; F. J. Soler (Wanganui), 411; W. Duncan. (Westport), 411; A. R. Barker (Linkwater), 411; H. Feast (Greytown),-411; C. Corkill (Wajpukurau), 411 ; H. A. Cromio (Ashburton), 410; W. Mclver (Petone’), 410; A. Nielson (Napier), 409; J. C. Carter (Linton), 409; W. S. Mills (Kiwi), 408; W. J. Green ; G. E. Pparson (Dargaville), 407 ; D. J. Anderson (Kaituna). 407; AV. K. Williams (Ohura), 407; G. G. Ashley (Akarana), 407; J. Te Whaiti (Greytown), 407. Counted out—G. H. Cross, W. J. Feast, jun.

WELLINGTON MATCH. 500 and 600 yards. Ten shots. A Grade. £5 —W. H. West (Okawa) 98 £4 —I. A. Blackwood (Timaru) ... 95 £3—R. C. Barkle (Akarana) 95 £2 —W. 11. Ballinger (Petone) ... 94 £2—J. Nix (Featherston) 94 £1 each—F. H. James (Napier) 94, H. R. Hunt (Suburbs) 94, H. Harris (Christchurch) 94, C. Whiteman (Upper Hutt) 94, T. Orr (Greytown) 93, H Feast (Petone) 93, G. L. Evans (Christchurch) 93, J. McCallum (East Coast) 93. G. Waddington (Methven) 92, G. L. Loveday (Linton) 92, F. Needham (Linton) 92, A. IV.. Mclver (Petone) 92. L. S. Hare (Wellington) 92, B. R. Bunny (Opaki) 92. Captain Bolton (Opaki) 92, G. Peterson (Renwick) 92, F. Whiteman (Upper Hutt) 92, 11. Hughes (Wanganui) 91. H. C. Evans (Te Kuiti) 91, R. J. Gillick (Kiwi) 91. S. Marenzie (Kaipararo) 91. A. Neilson (Napier) 91, R. H. Nicholl (Petone) 91. Counted Out. —A. H. Guy, H. T. Boon. H. V. Croxton, D. J. Anderson, IV. K. Williams. G. G. Ashlev, IV. Duncan, IV. J. Swaysland. J. W. Paynter, H. R. Keen©, R. Piper, R. J. King. B Grade. £2—H. Head (Kaitara) 93 £l. each—J. Kyle (Linton) 91, T. A. Marrett (New Plymouth) 91. J. McKay (Greymouth) 91, F. AV. Cox (Linton) 91. 10s. each —J. Paterson (Wanganui; 90, A. Allison (Te Kuiti) 90. G. E. Pearson (Dargaville) 90, F. Yates (Napier) 90, P. J. Tobin (AVhangaiei) 90, A. G. Robertson (H:iwera) 89, F. J. Standidge (Ohl Navals) 89 C. J. Hollard (Opotiki) 89, T. AATiiteman (Upper Hutt) 89, L. R. McKelvio (Rangitikei) 88. Counted Out. —S. F. McLean J. B. Bairstow, J. E. AlcLachlan, C. 11. Baker, A. AV. McPherson. Tyros. £1 each.—E. P. Bailey (Kimbolton) 91, A. B. Balfour (Greytown) 91, K. G Varlow (Karori) 89, C. Corkill (AVaipukurau) 89, L. C. Harrison (Hawera) 89. P. AV. Evans (Christchurch) 89, J. Bills (Christchurch) 88, J. AAalters (Mawheraiti) 88, O. P. George (New Plymouth) 88, AL Lawson (Patea) 88.‘P. Robertson (Christchurch) 87, G. Cromio (Rakaia) 87. B. Holmes, (Wanganui) 87, G. Te AA haiti (luhurangi) 86. AV. Mcßain (Old Navals) 86. Counted Out. —D. Calder, H. It. Boyce. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ MATCH. Machine Gun Battalion (Pte G. Hood 84, Pte. D. Calder 86. Pte. L. Prntk 90. Pte. AV. Hughes 91, Pte. R. Barkle 95), 446 points ; I Wellington Regimental No. 1 team (Capt. 11. Simmons 88, Capt. A. S. T. Butler 85, Sergt. L. Loveday 92, Sergt. G. Eyles 87, Pte. Orr 93), 445 points 2 Canterbury Regimental (Pte. L. A. Caldwell 90, Pte. R. Piper 91, Pte. G. Peterson 92, Pte. E. C. Russell 80, Pte. G. AValters 88), 441 points 3 Rifle Brigade No. 1 team (Capt. W. Masefield 88, Lieut. F. Soler.Bs, Lieut. H. T. Marshall 85, Rifleman R>. H. Nicholl 91. Rifleman AV. J. Green 90). 439 points 4 Other competing teams in the order they finished were:—AVellington Regimental No. 2 team (Capt. F. Bolton, Cpl. S. AViggs, Pte. P. Nicholls. Pte. F. A. AVhiteman, Pte. F. Brydon); South African Veterans (Major Taylor, Capt. Ross, Lieut. Donald, Tpr. AV. E. McKeieh, Tpr. H. Koppert); Rifle Brigade No. 2 team (Capt. C. Hollard, Sergt. J. C. Feast, Rifleman AV J. Feast, Rifleman T. Sunnex, Rifleman C. A. Deilil) ; Field Artillery (Sergt. E. J. Reston, Cpl. D. Alabaster, Gnr. E. S. King, Gnr. T. D. McKinlay, Gnr. E. Ballinger); Otago Regiment (Pte D. Roots. Pte. J. Burnett. Pte. J. S. Munro, Pte. AV. Kirk, Pte. A. A. Wrigbt). DOMINION MATCH.' Fifteen shots at. 600 yards and ten shots at 1000 yards (not to count for Belt). First practice: — D. J. Anderson (Kaituna) 75 Lieut. G. Hood (Opaki).., J. Kyle (Linton) D C J Nix (Featherston) 70, H. R. Hunt (Suburbs) 70, AV. Deller (Upper Hutt) 69, E. J. Reston (Akarana) 68, AV. J. Green (Okawa) 63, W. Filler (Christchurch) 68, D. F. Relf (Ashburton) 68. J. A. Blackwood (Timaru) 68 Capt. F. Bolton iOpaki) 11. H.’ Mawley (Opaki) 67, Lieut. AV. Duncan (AVcstport) 67. H. T. Boon (Karori) 66. S. R. Smith (Hawera) 66, IT. R. Keane (Omana) 66, G. le AVhaiti (AVairarapa) 66. R S. '■’aylor (Karori) 66, H. H. Donald (Opaki) 66, T A Marrett (New Plymouth) 65, A\ . H AVest (Okawa) 65, P. Goldfinch (Old Navals) 65. AV. 11. Thomas (Linton) 65, R. H. Nicholl (Petone) 65. OTAGO MATCH. 800 and 900 yards. ■- Ten shots. A Grade. £5—H. Simmonds (Wanganui) ... 91 £4—R. Caughley (Karori) 90 £3—D. Roots (Patea) £2—V. Kyte (Linton) bb co—E S King (AVangaiitn) op cac h_B. J. Gillick (Kiwi) 88, 1. B. Goldfinch (Old Navals) 87, 11. R. Hunt (Suburbs) 87, I . IL Mawley (Opaki) 86, A. Xlcls( ' n^ a '’' or)^ b ’ E. Scholes (Upper Hutt) 86, AA. 11. Masefield (Kekerangu) 86. R. J. King (Opaki) 84, 11. Feast (Petone) 83, 1.. T Haldane (AVaipukurau) 83, H. I. Boon (Karori) 82, M. C Connor (Okawa) 82, E. F- Sandford (Chnstchuicn) 82 E 11. Ballinger (Petone) 82, J. Bu’rnett (Tapanui) 86. A. Blackwood Timaru) 81, C. Corkill (AVaipur.urau) SI II R Keene (Omana) 81, R. Piper fciiristchurch) 81, R. H Nicholl (Petone) 81. P- J. Nicholl (Greytown) 81, F. AV. Cox (Linton) 81 B Grade. £2E. A. Ingpon (Frankton). 83. £1 each—D. Bait (Gisborne), 71; G H Doran (Oainaru), 79; R. Sneddon (Old Navals), 78; E. C. Russell (Stoke), 77. 10s. each—F. C. Standidge (Old Navals). 77; AV. 11. Osborne (Karori), 77- G. IL Cross (Hawera), 76; 11. W. AVilkie (Upper Hutt), 76, C. J. Karl, son (Dargaville), 75; H. Head (Kaitaia), 75; AV. J. Feast, jun. (Greytown), 75; G. E. Pearson (Dargaville), 75; E. H. Taylor (Karori). 75; G. McLachlan (Frankton), 75. Tyros.

£1 each—B. S. Brogan (Te Kuiti), 80; F. Hood (Featherston), 79; E. J. Lentfer (Frankton), 78; E. P. Bailey (Kimbolton), 77; K. G. Varlow (Karori), 76. 10s. each—G. Cromie (Ashburton), 75; J. Gardener (Te Kuiti). 75; B. Hare (Old Navals), 75 j

G. E. Hubbard (Inaiigahua), 75; J. Parker (Greytown), 74; Rifleman Ingley (Opaki), 73; F. Brydon (Renwick), 73; J. Jones (Kimbolton), 72; W. Kirk (Tapanui), 72; J. McCallum (Ward), 70. THE LEADING TWENTY-FIVE. Following are the loading twentyfive in the King’s fifty aggregate. (There are twenty shots to be fired at the long ranges):— T-T. Simmonds (Wanganui) 413 F. H. Janies (Napier) 407 R. J. Gillick (Kiwi) 407 J A. Blackwood (Timaru) 407 IT. R. Hunt (Suburbs) 406 H. T. Boon (Karori) 406 A. Nielson (Napier) 404 R, J. King (Opaki) 403 H. Feast (Grevtown) 402 W. H. West (Blenheim) 402 C. Corkill (Waiimkurau) 401 AT. C. Connor (Okawa) 401 H. V. Croxton. (Karori) 400 D. Route (Patea) 400 E. S. King (Wanganui) 398 W, H. Masefield (Kekerangu) ... 396 G. L. Evans (Christchurch) 394 IT. IL Mawley (Opaki) 394 A. R. Barker (Linkwater) 394 G. G Ashley (Akarana) 393 W. Mclver (Petone) 393 R. E. Hester (Suburbs) 393 J." Smart (Suburbs) 393 R. C. Barkle (Akarana) .; 393 P J. Nicholls (Greytown) 393 R. K. Nicholl (Petone) 392