DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 18 June 1936, Page 8

DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the Levin Defence Rifle Club was held recently, the president, Mr. A. R. Tantrum, occupying the chair. There was a good attendance of members who expressed satisfaction with the club’s activities during the past season. Annual Report. The president submitted the following annual report:— “In presenting the report and balance sheet, I have to congratulate the club on a very satisfactory season. The financial position of the club is very sound. During the year considerable improvements have been made and the rifle range is now in good order. The major work was the erecting of the concrete protecting -wall for the extra target. Having three single ended targets has proved a decided improvement on the old system, both as a saving of time and from the shooters’ point of view. The telephone has been a great help towards the smooth running and efficiency of scoring and marking. “Daring the season large targets were added to the equipment for shooting at 800 and 900 yards. The regular attendances at the range have been most satisfactory during the entire season, and have made competition keen, the standard of shooting being very high. Another factor in achieving the high standard was the issue of ammunition of a more recent manufacture than was the case last year. There have been expressions of praise, for the 1930 cordite now used from all over New Zealand. This reliable ammnuition has enticed new members to join clubs, as well as being the means of obtaining the joining up of old rifle shots again.

“Throughout the season several rifle meetings were attended by rpembcrs with a good measure of success. Outstanding in this direction was the performance of R. Catley at the National Rifle Association meeting at Trenthara. He secured third place in the championship and is to be congratulated on his fine achievement. Two shield competitions were attended, one on the Ashhurst range for the Greer Shield and the other at Hautere for the Field Shield, for which our club were runners up.

“The enthusiasm of members has been a feature of the club since the range was established on Mr. H. Rowland’s property at Ohau. Anything that has been required on the range or any work needed has been promptly and f efficiently carried out. Mr. Rowland has been of considerable help to members n many ways, and the thanks of the club are due to him.

“Various trophies have been competed for and the club expresses appreciation to the generous donors of these, as it has given added interest to the competitions. During the season a dance was held which was very successful, socially and financially. The ladies have given valuable assistance in catering tor visitors and at the dance, and the club acknowledges their ready help. “The improvements to the range amounted to a small sum, and to meet this the price of ammunition had to be raised, this being practically the only source of revenue. As accounts w'ere paid it was again reduced. The approaching season should be an easier one financially as we have approximately 6000 rounds in hand in addition to a credit balance. “In conclusion, I wish to thank all members for their courtesy and cooperation extended to me during my term of office.” Election of Officers. The following officers -were elected for the ensuing year : —iPatron : Mr. L. G. Lowry, M.P.; President : Mr. A. R. Tantrum; Vice-Presidents : Messrs W. Donnelly, J. W. Rimmer, K. Shaw, E. Hogg and G. P. Catley; Deputy Presidents : Messrs V. Hunter and R. Catley; secretary and tieasurer ; Mr. W. G. Benning; Committee : Messrs J. G. Horn, L. Ingram, J. Wylie and officers.