THE KING'S PRIZE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 71, 25 March 1931, Page 7

THE KING'S PRIZE

WWER THE WINNM

SHOOTING AT TRENTHAM

A STRONG FINISH

The National Rifle Association's championship meeting-, which was concluded at Trentham yesterday afternoon, was most successful. This year's meeting was not on as large a scale as those of former years, but, with the withdrawal of ths Government grant of £1000, the executive was faced with difficulties. However, instead of allowing the meeting to lapse, it was decided to hold it on a reduced scale. That decision more than, justified itself.

Although the quantity of marksmen was small, the quality was high, and that, coupled with the use of the new ammunition, was responsible for one of the most interesting meetings yet held. Competitors were favoured with fine weather on the whole, but there was* one bad day which thoroughly tested the capabilities of the riflemen. Saturday, the first day of the preparatory matches, saw some exceedingly fine shooting. Ideal conditions pertained, and it was only to be expected that the scoring would be high. On Monday, however, when the Belt matches had progressed to a more interesting stage, exceptionally bad weather ruled, and the skill of the competitors was thoroughly tested. Conditions looked anything but promising for the final day, but yesterday broke fine, and the King's Prize match, the last and most important match of the meeting, was fired under the best of conditions.

There was a large crowd of visitors to see. the final forty fire off for the King's Prize yesterday afternoon. His Excellency the Governor-General (Lord Bleclisloe) and Lady Bledisloc were present, as were also the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. G. A. Troup). General K. Vounpr, G.0.G., New Zealand Military Forces, and many others.

THE FINAL SHOTS.

W. M'lver, the prominent Petooe rifleman, who had been shooting consistently well throughout the meeting, had a lead of four points from his nearest rival and club-mate, E. A. Ballinger, and then folr lowed C. J. Nix, of Featherston, and W. •N. Masefield, of Marlborough, who wera equal, one point behind Ballinger. Ballinger shot brilliantly at two ranges in. the morning to work himself from fifth to stecond i>lace among the leaders, and though it was conceded that M'lver was in a strong position, there was just a possibility that he might not sustain it. He started shakily with a 3 for his first sighter, and his second was* no better. With two "magpies" for sighters, which, naturally, he discarded, it was anticipated that he would get right on to the target with his first business shot, but his supporters were disappointed when his third shot was signalled, as another 3. The second shot raised hopes when a "bull" was signalled, and the rifleman put his third shot in the same place. His nest two were "inners," which made his total 21, with five of his* ten shots gone. In the meantime, Ballinger, who was on No. 1 target, three targets away from M'lver. the latter being on No. 1, had shot five "bulls," having got on to the target with his first "sighter." At this stage, halfway through the match, Ballinger had picked up the four points he was behind M'lver at the start, Ballingcr having scored 25, and M'lver 21. Excitement became intense, and a good finish was expected. The spectators were not disappointed. Ballinger crashed with a "magpie" at the sixth, while M'lvev found .the centre of the target, M'lver thus regaining two of his lost points. He I concluded with a strong five-"buH" finish, while Ballinger dropped three mora points in his remaining shots. Actually, in the match, M'lver, after losing hisl lead of four in the first five shots, redeemed the position, and increased his lead over At the' conclusion of the shoot M'lver was congratulated on his performance by the Governor-General, and was surrounded by fellow competitors and chaired in. time-honoured fashion. H. Simmonds, o£ Auckland, and O. J. Nix, 'of Featherston, each shot 49 in the match, and they shot off—the best ot five shots-for the Rifle Club Challenge Cup which is awarded to the competitor who makes the best score in the King 3 Prize match. Honours went to isimmonds.

THE NEW CHAMPION

W M'lver, the new champion, is a prominent rifleman, and is a regular comnetitor at the National Bine Association , meeting. It is* the first.occasion on which he has won the Ballinger Belt. Last year he was third in the King's Prize Eateh, and since 1914 has occupied seventh, eleventh, and fifteenth place. He sss,. hictt.rs rf s f tne New South Wales National Bifl« Association meeting, and won the lrmte o£ Wales match in the face of stiong opposition. He was a member of the New Zealand team which fired against the Australians at Trentham. This meeting, M'lver has been particularly successful. His record is as folowß:_Fourth in rapid shooting, eighth in the King and Henry match, winner ot the Witcombe and Caldwell match, winner of the Imperial Aggregate, fourth m the Marlborough match, winner of the Wellington match, fifth m-tho Canterbury match, ninth in the Taranaki match winner of the Australian Aggregate,, sixth m the Otago match, fifth in. the Bisley Aggregate! winner of the King's Prat match He took nearly £60 in pnz. Trizes were presented by the Governor- , General, and His Excellency and party were later entertained at afternoon tea.