RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10219, 13 December 1893, Page 6

RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

NEST MEETING TO BE HELD IN , CANTERBURY. A meeting was held at the Clarendon Hotel last evening to hear what had been done in respect to holding the next meeting of the Now Zealand Rifle Association in Christchurch. Captain Harman presided, and there were about twenty persons present, including Mr T. Gapes, the Mayor-elect, The Chairman explained that the meeting had been called to sea if the money required for the incidental expenses could bo raised in Christchurch, if it was decided to hold the meeting here. Major Sommerviile had estimated the coat at from .£IOO to .£l5O. Thinking that it was a question that interested^ the whole of' Canterbury, ha had sent circulars to all parts of the Province,. but the number, or replies returned was not so satisfactory as lie had hoped. ’ Major Sommerviile had telegraphed to the effect fhat Oam&ru was quite prepared to guarantee the amount if the meeting were held there, and if something definite were not forthcoming from Christchurch at once, the meeting would be held in the southern! town. However, he was now in a position, to telegraph to Major Sommerviile the fact that the requisite amount had been guaranteed. He wished to thank the Mayor-elect (Mr Gapen) for the interest he had taken iia the, matter, more especially after the manner in which the Association had been received with the cold-shoulder ia quarters where it had a right to expect different treatment. He remarked that it was evident that the general public were labouring under a in respect to the subscriptions now being asked for. Many persons thought that if they ,subscribed now they were liable to bo* called upon again at some futuic time, when a meeting was to be held here. This was quite a mistake. All that was required was to find the preliminary expenses to prepares range and tho necessary accessories, which would be handed over to the Association, and would be used at all future meetings. Now a permanent range had been secured here the meeting would be held in Christchurch every second year. Thus Canterbury would benefit to a great extent, as a largo number of men always attended the meetings, and thus caused a good deal of money to be circulated. Captain Harman also mentioned that at. the request of Major Somerville, Mr T. Batchelor had consented to act aa Secretary to the meeting. Mr T. Gapes, in thanking Captain Harman for his remnrke concerning himself, said he would he happy to render all tho assistance ia his power to make the meeting a success. Ho pointed out that it would be as well to keep the matter before the public, and with this object in view a meeting had been convened at tho City Council Chambers for the following afternoon at four o’clock. He considered the citizens were as much interested as the shooting men in having the meeting hold here, as it helped to advertise the town. After some discussion on minor matters the mee tin g closed. Captain Harman then invited those present to drink tho health of the Mayorelect, which was done, and Mr Gapes suitably responded. THE RANGE. A first-class site has been secured at Hillsborough, giving a range up to 700yds. Tho firing will be in a south-easterly direction, bo that the man will nob have to face the sun at any time, which is a great consideration. The firing points have been arranged bo that the eye of the rifleman has green sward the whole way between him and the targets. Thera is no eand in the locality, the whole field being laid down iu gross. As the prevailing winds hero in March are from the east, this will make the range almost an open ode, although the shooting will be direct towards the hills, which form a background to the range. The site ia within easy distance of town, and only a few hundred yards from the Hillsborough railway station. The fact of the range being so near to Christchurch will allow of any competitors who may wish to do so living ia the city, as in addition to the train drags will run to and from the site at short intervals, carrying passengers.