PRIZES FOR RIFLE-FIRING.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4743, 6 November 1872, Page 3

PRIZES FOR RIFLE-FIRING.

To the Editor : Sir,— lt has been suggested, and I think, with, great force, that givers of prizes should stipulate for a judging distance stage as part of a competition, it being well known by all acquainted with the use of the rifle that .unless the distance is known the elevation on the rifle sights cannot be taken ; yet, as stated, these would be the first requisites in the field. It would appear from experience that it requires the same inducements to learn distance that' it does to shoot well, and herein lies the value of the suggestion ; for if it is a fact as stated that judging distance has been entirely neglected, lacking those inducements doubtless the remedy lies with the givers of prizes, for as a rule Volunteers in name are Volunteers in deed, like all human beings, given to do anything only for a consideration. Another suggestion is that the programme for the firing stage should be drawn by lot from among twelve others, and published the day before the firing. This is both practical and fair, it being well known that some persons have time and means for one particular programme, giving them advantages over others, who by their occupations are debarred the same. And moreover this plan would cause a more general know,ledge of the rifle, as practice would have to be more diffused, and the 300, 400, 500, and 400, 500, and 600 yards, &c, would not be as at present the stereotyped ranges. — I am,&c, Practical.