FOR AUSTRALIA

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 91, 14 October 1920, Page 10

FOR AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE TEAM

A HEARTY "SEND-OFF."

The New Zealand Rifle Team which is leaving by the Moana for Sydney to-day was tendered a "send-off" by local riile shots at the Grand Hotel yesterday after-

noon. The gathering, which, was organised by the New Zealand Rifle Clubs' executive, was largely attended and proved highly enjoyable. President H. Marshall, chairman of the Rifle Clubs' Executive, presided. The team comprises Messrs. H. V. Croxton (Karori), W. West (Blenheim), R. J. King (Opaki), F. Bolton (Opalu), D. Guiney (Petone), R. Barkle (Wellington Suburbs), D. Roots (Hawera), VV. Williams (Ohura), YV. N, Masefield (Marlborough), A. Uovenlpck (Woodville), and Major V. Dunne (manager). Messrs. Croxtor and West, who recently competed at Bisley, are at present itt Australia. VALUE OF Rli'LE CLUBS. The Chairman said he was quite sure that they all appreciated the aesistanca given by the Government in enabling the team to proceed to Australia to participate in the Empire Match. It was doubtful whether the Government could do better than lay down fcuch conditions, for rifle clubs as would encourage members of the Expeditionary Force to buy rifles and join the rifle club ranks. By doing so they would produce at very fine reserve. The importance of isuch a reserve was evident when it was pointed out that.the ages for the Territorial Force vefy prooably would be reduced., which meant that in the event! of another war breaking out practically'only one-third of the Territorials would be over twenty /years of age, and therefore available for service overseas. They were all proud of the team, and were sure that it would put up a good record. No less than six were returned soldiers, while the manager also was a South African veteran It was also an interesting fact that all were married. Mr. G. Sykes, M.P., in proposing the toast.of the "New Zealand Rifle Team," apologised for the absence of other members of Parliament. Members of Parliament, he said, were agreed that the team should be sent, and financial assistance, to the extent of JGSOO, given, but a great deal of the credit for getting that assistance was due to the energy exercised by the President of the Rifle Club's Executive.. He felt sme that rifle clubsi would play a most important part in the future defence of the Dominion, and they should bo encouraged (Applause.) The toast was ■ then drunk ■ with, musical honours, and Major Dunne and Mr. E. J. King replied. The latter said he felt sure; leaving himself out of thel question, that the team was the i strong,-, cst that had ever left this country.

HISTORY OF THE EMPIRE MATCH

Colonel R. J. Collins, chief executive officer of the Dominion Rifle Association, said all credit was due to President Marshall for getting the financial assistance to send the team to Australia. The team was the strongest they were able to select, and he was confident it would bring back the Empire Match trophy. The Empire | match, he said, was instituted by yAustralia ; with the object of bringing all parts of His Majesty's Do- | minions together in friendly rifle combat. The great distance between Australia arid England made it impossible for them to send a team every year, and' it was a !'fitting occasion to fire the. initial match in Melbourne on the first visit to Australia of a British team in 1907J- when it was won by Australia with a score of 2104 points, New Zealand came second 1 with 2056 points, and Great Britain. ! third with 2053 points. The match had been shot for on five occasions. In 1909 it was won by Australia, with 2088 points, New Zealand compiling 1958. In 1910 the match was fined at Trentham, when New 1 Zealand won, New South Wales being second. The same year, with a, sportsmanlike spirit, Australia, took it to Bisley,' where it was won by Great Britain with 2177 points, Canada scoring 2105 points, and Australia 2045. Tha fifth match was fired at Bisley in 1919, resulting in a win for Great Britain by 72 points, Australia being second., New Zealand third, and Canada fourth. The trophy for the winning team was a 'handsome ohivllenge shield, , which cost £250. In addition to the sending of rifle teams to Australia in ,the years 1907 and 1909 to compete in the Etaipira match, a New Zealand team was sent in 1873 for the Intercolonial match at Melbourne, which was won by New South Wales, Victoria finishing second, and New Zealand third.- In 1888 a New Zealand team was sent, to take part it the Centennial match, held at Melbourne. New Zealand scored a victory then over an Australian team of volunteers. New Zealand was again, represented at the Intercolonial match at Sydney in 1892— Avon by Victoria, Now Zealand coming third In 1901 a New Zealand Rifle team took part in the Inaugural Bine Meetiug, which took place at Sydney, to commemorate the inauguration of the A;istralian Commonwealth He wished tha present team every success (Applause.) The toast of "Parliament" was proposed by Mt. R. E. Flaws, and was responded to by Mr. J. Burns. The gathering concluded with Wis toast of "The Chairman." This was proposed by Mr. Sykes, who referred in highly appreciative terms to the services rendered by Mi. Marshall on behalf of Rifle Clubs. The toast was drunk with marked enthusiasm, and after Mr. Marshall had replied, all present sang the National Anthem. - •'■