MARKSMEN ON THE RANGE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 141, 14 March 1928, Page 12

MARKSMEN ON THE RANGE

ARMY RIFLE MEETING COMMENCES RECORD GATHERING AT TRENTHAM Close on 600 marksmen, representative of practically every branch of the military service, assembled on the range at Trenthaui yesterday morning when the New Zealand Army fiitle Association commenced its sixth annual meeting. Service musketry has this year attracted a record number ot competitors to Trenthaui. The object of the meeting is to promote interest in weapon training for service purposes by lueans of individual and collective training, framed as far as possible to induce practice in methods which will lead to increased efficiency on the battlefield. Competitors from all parts of the Dominion are taking part at the meeting, where shooting is carried out as nearly as possible to active service conditions. A military shot is defined as one who possesses accuracy, capacity for snap-shooting, rapidity and volume, and for fire with movement, and all competitions are framed on this basis. Wnen competitors went to the mounds in tlie morning a left wmd was blowing, aud this upset the calculations of many. The light was good for shooting purposes, although a frontal “fish-tail"’ wind twisted in and out down the range as the day advanced. The first stage of the Army Championship, comprising four practices, was completed. The first practice consists of rapid fire at 300 yards, one exposure of forty seconds being allowed for the ben rounds. Lu the snap-shooting practice at 300 yards there are ten exposures, one exposure of three seconds for each round. The exposures are

given at irregular intervals of time during a period of two minutes, and each exposure is given at a different point on a front of 20 feet ior each target. There is also a deliberate fire practice at 600 yards and fire with movement at 600 to 100 yards. In the latter practice the competitors fire lying at 500, 400 and 300 yards, kneeling at 200 yards, and standing at 200 yards. Before the first target exposure the competitor is in the correct lying position at the 600 yards firing point. Two rounds are fired at each range, there being five exposures, forty-five seconds each exposure, the appearance of the targets being the signal to advance. The first stage of the Territorial Cadet championship was also completed. This comprised application and suapsnooting practices at 200 yards, five rounds at each range, ten rounds rapid at 206 yards, and moving target practice, five rounds at 200 yards. Lieutenant T. J. Denton, of the New Zealand Permanent Air Force, .who was

last year’s winner of the King’s Medal, is among the competitors. The New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy is also represented, but the naval representation is not so large as last year, when several marksmen from the H.M.S. Renown, which was then in New Zealand waters,

took part. Trior to a start being made with the shooting, the chief executive officer, Colonel W. L. H. Sinclair-Burgess, addressed the competitors. The meeting, he said, had drawn a record number of entrants. He pointed out. that the meeting was a military gathering, and he hoped that those taking part would observe it as such.

The chief range officer is Captain R'. J. D. Davis, N.Z.S.C., Captain M. A. Stedman, N.Z.S.C., is in charge of the Collins Range, and lion. Lieutenant A. J. King, N.Z.P.S., is controlling the firing point the Soinmervitlo Range. Major

»H. T. Rowling's, N.Z.S.C., is in charge of the butts at the Collins Range, and Captain S. V. Sugden, lias charge of those at the Sommer villa Range. Captain R, C. C. Steele, N.Z.S.C., is adjutant, and associated with him is Captain A. de T. Neville, R.N.Z.A. Staff-Sergeant-Major J. 11. Kearney, of Napier, was the winner of the first stage, class I (for commissioned officers,, permanent staff, and reservists, etc.) of'

a army championship, with 111 out of

175. Staff-Sergeant-Major W. Rates, of Christchurch, gained second place, also with a score of 111. the count back going against him. Lieutenant A. J. Moore, Greymonlh, had the next highest score with 162. The first stage of the army championship, class 11. which is open to rank and file of the Territorial forces, was won by Corporal N. Symon, of Oamaiu, with a score of 113. The army championship will be completed to-day, and the hundred competitors who secure the highest aggregates in this mate’, eomnete for the King’s Medal, to be fired on Friday. The army championship carries Ihe Champion Belt and the gold jewel of the Army Rifle Association. Only those on the nclive list of tho New Zealand Territorial force are eligible (o take these trophies, although other coincel iters can participate iu tho money prizes. With a score of 106 out of a possible 125 for Hie four nractices, the first, stage of the Territorial Cnder championship was won by Sergeant E. Hancox, of the Canterbury Regiment. In (he application practice, ho registered a 22. and in the snapshooting practice a 23. His ten rounds rapid returned him .% 41, and with his five rounds at the moving targets bo had a 20. Sergeant. L. York, of the Clirist'.-linrch Boys' High School Cadets, was runner-up with a score of 105. In's score in the anplieation practice boing one short of the possible.

A Cadet match, five rounds anplieation, and snapshooling at 200 vards. was won bv Companv Sercennt-Ma’or Dyer, of the 2nd Battalion. Waikato Regiment, with a score of 46 out of a possible of 50. With a 24 for the siuipshoo’ing. lie was a point short of the possible.

. Results of yesterday’s shooting are as TERRITORIAL CADET CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST STAGE. £2—Sergeant E. Huncox (Christchurch) 106 £1 10s. —Sergeant L. York (Christchurch) 105 £1 —Sergeant R. K. Hudson (Dunedin ) 98 15s. each: U.S.M.. W. J. Buchanan (Oainaru), 96; Lce.-Cpl. D. Ponlney (Hamilton), 90; C.S.M. J. B. Mackie (Dunedin), 90; Cadet C. Fletcher (Whangarei), 88; Cpl. T. Gallus (Wellington), 8b; Cadet \V. Snell (New Plymouth), 87. 10s. each: C.S.M T. Mills (Slrattoru), 80; Cadet E. Burton (Hastings), 85; Sgt. K. McKeudry (Wellington), 84; Sgt. W. Al. Brown (Hamilton), 84; C.S.M. D. G. Dyer (Pukekohe), 84; Cpl. N. Collinge (Hastings), 84; Sgt. G. Joues (Shannon), 82; Sgt. E. Townsend (Eltham), 80.

ss. each: Cadet L. Homer (Dunedin), 80; Sgt. A. M. Green (Blenheim), 80; Cadet S. W. Lowe (Hastings), 80; Cpl. C. C. Johansen (Masterton), 79; Cadet A. W. Boyce (Invercargill), 79; Sgt. J. Vjnten (llawera), 78; Cadet G. Duff (Christchurch.), 78: Cadet L. C. Horne (Marlborough), 77. 3s. each: Cadet N. Barker (Hamilton), 77; Lce.-Cpl. W. H. Haslett (Auckland), 76; Sgt. J. D. Biggar (Hastings), 76; Cadet C. M. Carrol (Oainaru), 76; Cpl. M. France (Dannevirke), 74; Cadet P. W. Fo ( ubisler (Auckland), .74; C.S.M. L. V. Glahvllle (Christchurch), 74; C.Q.M.S. L. A. McKenzie (Dunedin), 74; Q.M.S. C. J. Ritchie (Dunedin), 74; Cadet N. F. Searle (Wanganui), 73; Cadet B. A. Haden (Petone), 73; Cadet J. Dukworth (Duuedin), 73; Cpl. R. C. Smith (Westport), 72; Cadet K. J. Taylor (Auckland), 72; Cpl. W. Tombs (Hamilton), 72; Lce.Cpl. B. R. Grace (Auckland), 72; Cpl. H. Ensor (Christchurch), 72; Cadet L. W. Plum (Nelson), 72; Sgt. F. Bowling (Hamilton), 71; Cadet S. Loader (Christchurch), 71. Counted out: M. H. Brown. ARMY CHAMPIONSHIP

1' IRS J SI AGE—CLASS I (for commissioned officers, permanent staff, and reservists, etc.). £2—Staff-Sergeant-Major J. 11. Kearney (Napier) m £1 10s,—Staff-Sergeant-Major W. Bates (Christchurch) ill £l— Lieutenant A. J. Moore (Greymouth) 102 10s. each —Lieutenant E. V. Simpson (Hamilton), 98; Lieutenant T. J. Denton (Christchurch), 95. ss. each—Lieutenant D. D. Kennedy (Wanganui), 94; Lieutenant W. A. McGuire (Auckland), 93; Cadet Pilot G. E. Watt (Auckland:), 93; Staff-Sergeant-Major R. L. Jordan (Westport), 91; Sgt. D. McCurrie (Dunedin), 91. SECOND STAGE—CLASS II (for rank and file of territorial forces). £2—Cpl. 11. Symon (Oainaru) 113 £1 15s.—Pvte. E. W. Rathbun (Greymouth) 107 £1 10s. —L.-Cpl. G. E. Parker (New Plymouth) 102 £1 ss. each—L.-Cpl. K. P. Tapper (Christchurch), 102; Pvte. A. S. Cathcart (Johnsonville). 101; Q.M.S. J. A. Ashley (New Plymouth), 99; Cpl. F. A. Large (Nelson), 98; Cpl. R. J. Crosbie (Pukekohe). 97; Cpl. J. R. Gentry (Wellington), 97; C.S.M. K. Mcßae (Auckland), 96. £1 each —Sgt. D. W. Hammond (Seddon), 92; Sgt. S. Luxford (Wanganui), 90; Sgt. W. Hutchins (Wanganui), 90; Cpl. C. Collyer (Hokitika!, 89; Sgt. It. N. Linton (Seddon), 89; Cpl. J. Perigo (Palmerston North), 87; Trooper J. A. Francis (Christchurch), 86. 15s. each,—Squadron Q.M.S. L. H. Jones (Palmerston North), 86; Cpl. H. E. Ellis (Napier), 85; Lance-Corporal W. W. Burton (Hastings), 83; Trooper R. J. Davidson (Christchurch), 83; Cp l IV. Gandford (Christchurch), 83; Cpl. L. C jllurcott (Nelson), 82; Lnce.-Cpl, S. W. Bernet (Wellington), 82. 10s. each.—Driver L. IV. Hall (Auckland), 81; Pvte. H. C. Barlow (Napier), 80; Sgt. G. Bradlev (Hamilton), 79; Sgt. D. R. Graham (Hastings), 79; Cpl. J. D. I McKerchar (Timaru), 78; Sgt. W.- R. Press (Carterton), 77. 7s. (Id. each.-Lnce.-Cpl. A. R. Symon (Hastings), 76; Sgt. W. Wilkinson (Hawera), 75- Sapper L. C. Gutrv (Auckland), 7u; Sgt. L. Hampton (Hastings). 75; Cpl. G. G.- bandford (Christchurch), 75; Troop®1 ’ L- -L Burgess (Waipukurati), 74; Saprer F. N. IV. C. von Lubbe (AuckianO, <4; Trooper K. Macpherson (Waipu). 74; Irooper J. M. Jamieson (Pukekohe), 74; Cpl. R. W. Adams (Auckland), 73- Cpl. A. Wotherspoon (Auckland), 73; Lnqe.Cpl. J. M. Carmichael (Hastings), 73; •bgt R. F. Shepherd (Raliotu), 73; Lnce.Cpl. B. A. Blythe (Auckland), 72; Trooper JV. P. Bown (Canvastown), 72; Sgt. J. A. To Puni (Pctoue), 72; Sgt. A L Mac Kay (Auckland), 72; Sgt. L. Roberts (Christchurch), 72; Cpl. J. Maunsell (lolago Bay), 71; Pvte. E. W. Jepson (Johnsonville), 70.

ss. each.— Sgt. T, Busck (Auckland), 69; bapper A. A. Taylor (Christchurch), 69; Trooper F. L. Smith (Blenheim), 69; Sgt. (V. G. Slade (Gisborne), 69; Pvte. H. D. Ross (Napier), 69; Sgt. >J. L. Forbes (Christchurch), 69; " Cpl E. N. Vi pond (Westport). 68; Sgt. G. W. Stewart (Napier), 68; Pvte. L. H. Beardmore (M angauui), 68; Pvte. K, Falvey (Napier), 67.

Counted out.—Cpl. A. Hood (New Plymouth!, Pvte. G. W. Amoore (Wellington), C].L N. B. Kenward (Dunedin).

CADET MATCH

APPLICATION AND SNAPSHOOTING. £2 —C.S.M. W. G. Dyer (Pukekohe) ... 46 £1 Ills.—Cadet D. A. Haden (Petone) 45 £l—Sergt. J. Beattie (Duuedin) 43 15s. each; Cadet L. C. Horne (Blenheim), 43; Cadet G. Duff (Christchurch), 43; Cadet R. 1,. Smith (Westport), 42; Q.M.S. C. J. Ritchie (Dunedin), 42. 10s. each: Sergt. J. D. Rigger (Hastings), 41; Sergt. R. R. Hudson (Dunedin), 41; C.Q.M.S. L. A. McKenzie (Dunedin), '4l; Cadet E. Burton (Hastings), 40: Cadet E. Missen (Hamilton), 40; Cpl. T. Gallus (Wellington), 40. ss. each: Cadet A. B. Grenaway (Wellington), 40; Cadet F. M- Blair (Auckland), 40; Cadet L. Homer (Dunedin), 40; Sergt. J. S. Rudd (Christchurch), 39: C.S.M. D. A. Graham (Wellington), 39; C.S.M. W. J. Buchanan (Oamaru), 38; Cadet J. Farley (Wanganui), 38; Sergt.

E. J. Murphy (Mataura), 38; Cadet R. Williams (Umaru), 38; Cadet O.Chuw cber (Wanganui), 37; Sergt. E. Hanco.x (Christchurch), 37; Sergt. E. Townsend (Eltham), 37; Sergt. 1. Bowling (Hamilton), 37; Cadet C lletcher Subb^d arel (Hamil«n), Serfgt. L.' York (Christchurch). 36; Sergt. J. Vinten (Hawera), 36; Cadet L. M. Naywi tHei-lin<-ton), 35; Cadet S. E. ,-oader (Chustchurch) 35; Cadet K- J- iaylor 'Auckland), 35; L.-Cpl. W. S’, 86 « "2” Cadet C G Cairns (Greytnoutb), 34; T -Cnl W H Hazlett (Auckland), 33; Cadet J- C. Hands (Auckland) 33: Sgt. W G. Loe (Dunedin), 33, Cadet Brown (Mastertori, 33; SergLJ >■ Jones Searle (Wanganui), lo d Cadet H. J- Stinson (Dunedin), 33; « 8 R Bramwell (Feilding). 33; CS M- J- B. Mackie (Dunedin), 33; Cadet jj, 'W. Foubister (Auckland), a-.