RIFLE SHOOTING

Evening Star, Issue 22893, 26 February 1938, Page 10

RIFLE SHOOTING

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION'S MEETING SOUTH AFRICANS COMPETING [Peh United Press Association.] TRENTHAM, February 25. The annual meeting of the National Rifle Association commenced at Trentham this morning; when close on 500 marksmen went aown at the mounds for their hist match in the programme of rifle shooting extending over live days. The competitors include the members of the South African team and two visitors from England, as well as leading riflemen from all parts of tbe Dominion. Before leaving the squadding posts for the firing points, the competitors were welcomed by Colonel F. 11. Cresswell, a life member of the association, who is deputising for the president, Dr A. R. R. Crawford, of Invercargill. The association, he said, was pleased to have the members of the South African team competing, and wished them all the best of luck. He regretted that the British team was unable to remain for tbe meeting. ■ Additions to the prize money were announced during the day, the cash prizes for the meeting having been increased by £6O to £1,169. The English visitors taking part in the meeting are Major P. S. Bapty and Mr W. Webster. Although not a member of the official British team, Mi Webster accompanied the team from England. He will be returning with the team, which is due to sail from Wellington by the Akaroa on Tuesday, but he intends shooting until such time as he has to leave Trenthara to join the ship. Although the weather was threatening, particularly in the early morning, the day remained fine throughout the shooting. There was a strong fishtail breeze, which swung from right to left. Marksmen caught by the sudden wind changes had low scores. Experienced men had the best of the conditions, but unless they were quick enough to get their shots away at the correct moment they, too, were caught. These conditions prevailed for most of the day. The morning light was perfect, but in the afternoon visibility was not quite so good. The morning was occupied in firing the opening match, seven rounds at 300, 500, and 600 yards. A sterling performance was given by T. Goodall (.Suburbs), who had a score of 103 for three ranges. A string’ of 20 bull’seyes was broken by a 3 with his second shot at 600 yards. Four others finished with 101, but a count back favoured the South African M. Eksteen, who took second place. A start was made in the afternoon with the first match of the championship belt series, the Canterbury Match, of 10 rounds at 300 and 500 yards. R. Congreve (Old Navals) won the match with 99, dropping one point at 500 yards. The South African L. Serfontein finished second with 97. The compulsory service matches and the Service Championship will be fired to-morrow. Results:— OPENING MATCH. (Seven Rounds Shot at 300, 500, and 600 Yards.) £5. —T. Goodall (Suburbs) 103. £4.—M. Eksteen (South Africa) 101. £3.—D. Roots (Patha) 101. £2 10s Each.—R. F. Wakefield (Ashhurst) 101, F. Bowes (Auckland City) 101. £2 Each.—H. J. Whitehead (Kiwi) 100. J. R. Keoghan (Westport) 100, Griffiths (South Africa) 99. Thirty-four competitors received £1 each, and 24 10s each. The B grade was won by N. Amon (Rangitikei) with 99. He received £3. H. Symon (Alfredton) and P. C. Hodge (Sydenham), with scores of 99 and 98 respectively, received £2 each. N. Fletcher (Levin) and C. Falconer (Balclutha) filled first places in the Tyro grade. CANTERBURY MATCH. (Ten Rounds at 300 and 500 Yards.) £5.—R. Congreve (Old Navals) 99. £4.—L. Serfontein (South Africa) 97. £3 Each.—J. 1. King (Karori) 97, L. S. Hare (Karori) 96. £2 Each.—D. Roots (Patca) 96. F. H. James (Napier) 96, H. King (Masterton) 96. Thirty-four competitors received £1 each, and 24 10s each. The B grade was won by N. W. Taylor (Waipukurau) with 94. He received £3. D. Banks (Kimbolton) and H. T. Brehandt (Okawa), who also made 94, received £2 each. The leading places in the tyro grade were taken by H. G. Collingwood (Auckland City) and C. Falconer (Balclntha) with 93 and 92 respectively; they received £1 each. RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT. Dr A. F. Ritchie Crawford was unanimously re-elected president at the annual meeting of the association.