THE NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3496, 20 September 1882, Page 4

THE NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

The programme of the New Zealand Rifle Association has been issued. The first three matches are open to all comers, and the remaining four are confined to Volunteers only. Of the hitter, two count for the Carbine Championship, and two for the Hifle. The first match is 300_ and 500 yards, seven rounds ; forty-nino prizes of the value of £119 being given ; the highest scorer receiving £15 and the Nelson ciiizens' cup. This is known as the Nelson Match, and h open to all members. Otago Match comes next on the programme. This will be at 200 yards, ten rounds, and is open to all members of the Association, to be fired with rifles. The prizes are thirty-six in number, and of a total value of £100. The amount of the first prize is £12.

Auckland Match is on the same conditions, and the same prize-money is offered as in the previous match, except that carbines are the weapons to be used. Canterbury Match.—The conditions for this, which is only open to Volunteer rifle representatives, are seven rounds at 200, 500, and 600 yards. Thirty-seven prizes of the value £120 are offered, with £20 as the principal money. The Wellington Match, for carbine representatives, will consist of seven rounds at 200, 300, and 500 yards. For this there will be thirty-six prizes, of the value of £100. Prizes range from £12. Marlborough Match comes next on the programme. This is an all-comers' match, to be fired with rifles, and the conditions are ten shots at 500 and 600 yards. Thirty-six prizes of £100 offered, with £12 as highest

prize. Union Match conditions are ten shots at 300 and 500 yards. Thirty prizes of the value of £115 10s are offered, the first prize being £15 10s. This match is open to all comers ; carbines to be used. An important alteration is made with regard to the championships. Tho twenty highest aggregate scorers in the Otago, Canterbury, and Marlborough matches will then fire ten shots at 600 yards, and their scores added to the aggregates made in the previous matches, when the highest grand aggregate scorer will be the rifle champion of New Zealand for 1882-3. The aggregate prizes are increased in value —the champion receiving £50 with the belt; the second highest scorer, £20 and a silver star ; £15, £7 10s, and £o being also given. For the Carbine Championship the twenty highest scorers in the Auckland, Wellington, and Union matches will fire a stage match of ten shots at 500 yards, and the then highest aggregate scorer will be the carbine champion. With the belt he takes £40 and the N.Z.R.A. gold star. The other prizes are £20, £10, £5, and £4. There is a Civilian Match at 200 and 500 yards, for which eight prizes, of the value of £20, are offered. Kifle and carbine trophy matches are the same as in previous year. Carbine and rifle team matches are the same as last year, but the prizes are increased to £40, £20, £10, and £5 in each case. The Otago Rifle Association Ladies' Challenge Shield will also be fired for, but is restricted to certain Otago corps. Firing will commence on Friday, November 3, and will be completed by Wednesday, the Bth. The Government have authorised the issue of free railway passes to Volunteers Tvho are members of tho Association under certain conditions. Entries are to be made on or before Saturday, October 28.