TRENTHAM RIFLE MEETING

Evening Star, Issue 14307, 4 March 1910, Page 6

TRENTHAM RIFLE MEETING

OPENED TO-DAY. [Peii United Phess Association.] TRENTHAM, March 4. Last night saw all arrangements completed for the opening of the jubilee meeting at Trentham. Five hundred and eighty-three competitors had then entered, and there was every promise of line weather, but at 5.30 this morning a drizzle began, with a light southerly breeze, making it uncomfortable for those about the ranges: but the competitors, the Australians included, treated the matter philosophically. At 8.50 a.m. seventy-four squads of competitors lined up at the squadding posts, preparatory to commencing the Volunteer and Rifle Clubs' Matches at 200, 500, and 600 yards. Colonel Collins, chief executive officer, congratulated the Association on the large increase in the number of competitors, which constituted a record for the Dominion, lie noted the fact, that Australia for the first time since 1896 had sent over a representative team, and amongst them were some of the very finest shots. Ho wished the competitors every success, and dismissed them to the 200 yds range, where firing began at 9 in the Volunteer and Rifle Clubs' Mutches, which are being simultaneously shot. King ;Linwood) got away tho first shot, with which he got a bull. Shooting after that was very rapid, but somewhat erratic, tho drifting wind and drizzling rain upsetting the calculations of most. A. Cutler, the .rack Australian, only made 29. Tho following scored "possibles": Miirenzi (Eketahuna), Farley (Victoria), Stephenson (Riversdale), Rider (Hastings), Foeko (Wellington). All-buts were made by Yates (Napier), King (Linwood), White (Christchurch), M'lvor (Wellington). The tiring at tho 200 yards range ended in a driving drizzle. At the 500 yards range the green and brown target was used for tho first time, arid entirely upset tho aiming of most of tho competitors. Some, however, tackled it with good heart, and Smart (Wellington), 0. Crimp (Green Island), and Bryan (Wainku) scored possibles. Thorpe (the veteran shot of Wairoa), Birstow (Wairarapa), Patrick (Auckland), Vcnnell (Tewharau), and Mstssey (Karon) were among tho 34"5. Tho match wij' not finish till well on in tho afternoon. Later. King, of Linwood, is now leading af two ranges with 68—34 at each. Firing at the range is still proceeding.