SPLENDID SHOOTING.

Evening Post, Volume LXXII, Issue 111, 7 November 1906, Page 7

SPLENDID SHOOTING.

BIG GUN PRACTICE BY PETONE KAVALS. A RECORD OF HITS.. The Petone Navals covered themselves with distinction at the Ngahauranga forts this morning. It had been re* ported the previous evening that an enemy's ship would enter the harbour at daylight, and the navals, under Captain Freeman, were early astir to give the intruder a warm reception. Tha two big guns were manned by sections of the corps, Captain Freeman being, battery commander of the first section and Lieut. Ellis battery commander of the second section. The enemy — who was represented by, the Janie Seddon towing a Hong Kong target — was noted moving along at a range of about three miles. A strong and gusty wind was> blowing, and she was pitching and v tossing wildly, bufc despite tiiis the gunners of Captain Freeman's section secured the splendid record of 12 hits out of 12 shots — a magnificent performance. Lieut. Ellis'o section also did remrakably well, securing 8 hits out of 12 shots. This shooting forms part of the competition amongst the Garrison Artillery, of the colony for the Challenge Cup. Last year (he Petone Navals won tha cup, and they are making a big effort, to retain it this year. The conditions on the present occasion differs from those existing last year, inasmuch as snooting is taken into consideration. Each battery fires three series, each series consisting of 12 shots. Two of these serie* were got off by the Petone Navals thil morning. The umpire this morning was Major Johnston, R.A., and there were als»i present, Lieut. -Colonel Campbell, Officer Commanding Division ;_ Major Hume, N.Z.R.A. ; Major Kirk ; Surgeon-Cap-tain Perry ; Lieuts. Chesney and Sandle, Master-Gunner Richardson,' and the Company's officers. The attendance at the camp keeps up excellently, and the men are very caw thusiastic.