CITY RIFLE CLUBS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14973, 20 April 1909, Page 3

CITY RIFLE CLUBS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Christchurch citizens have read with satisfaction jour comments and suggestions on the above in to-day’s “Lyttelton. Times.” It may bo of further interest to those in sympathy with “ assisted” rifle clubs to note the high standard of patriotism which today exists throughout our community. Just a month ago, a desire was expressed by an employee in one of our leading warehouses that a rifle club should be formed by the company’s staff with the object of members acquiring efficiency in target shooting in its various forms. A meeting was quickly convened to discuss on what lines such a club could be conducted and a committee appointed to enquire of the local defence department, if recognition and assistance could be given the club, if formed, by the department. Colonel Haw kins very kindly gave all the information and, pointed out our chief difficulty would be that of out-door range firing, as, at present, the regulations laid down by the department, do not permit us the use of Government panges; but he so far entered into the spirit of our object, as to place at the club’s disposal the use of a miniature rifle range and rifles, by which means, members who might be unaccustomed to handling rifles should have immediate opportunity by way of miniature rifle practice. Very prompt also was the assistance of Lieutenant Colonel Cresswell in the offer of some experienced riflemen to instruct the club. On 2nd instant another meeting of employees, resulted in the formation of the D.I.C. rifle club with forty members, and the company’s general manager and manager were elected president and vice-president respectively. Funds were also* subscribed for the purchase of rifles and ammunition. The following day a spirited promise of support was made /by the president and vice-president; raise members had the pleasure to receive the offer of a .303 rifle (or more if necessary) from the young ladies of the company’s staff.

On Thursday last the “ first fire off ” took place at King Edward VII Barracks, forty, members being in attendance for instruction and practice; and although many good scores were made, it was very evident by other resultsthat many men in our city are without

the primary knowledge of rifle shooting. The enclosed letter was forwarded to the oflicor commanding Canterbury Military District, with the hope that assistance will be effected by the Defence Department, which will enable our club, and others yet to bo formed to gain access to out-door ranges for. practice. As pioneers of the movement, we were approached on Wednesday last by a representative of Messrs Strange _ and Go. in full sympathy with the idea, and enquiring on what lines to proceed. I could only suggest, as now, that all clubs such as ours should act in concert and thus enable the Minister of Defence to properly gauge the importance of our movement. Much as members desire the assistance of Government, the sentiment of the D.I.C. rifle club is that whether “self supporting” or “assisted” it will go on to success. With Apologies for trespassing on your space, I am, etc., CLUB CAPTAIN. Christchurch, April 17. (Enclosure).

April 15, 1909. Colonel Hawkins, Officer .Commanding (Defence Department) Canterbury District, Christchurch.—Dear Sir, —I have the honour to inform you that the employees of the D.I.C. have formed a rifle club consisting of fully forty members. The object is that each member shall be enabled to gain efficiency in rifle firing, which end can only bo obtained by practico at long range shooting. Defence regulations do not at present recognise clubs such as ours, but the hope is entertained of a modification of existing regulations, whereby members might reasonably expect a measure of assistance from your department. The ages of the men largely correspond with that required for membership of defence clubs, but generally, the members are without the necessary qualifications, viz., three years volunteer service, specified in the rules for defence rifle clubs assisted by Government. Can you use your influence on our behalf that a concession be made us in the matter of use of rifles, ammunition and access to out-door rifle ranges. The members recognise that such concession might necessitate their compliance with some regulation, and there is no doubt a reasonable demand would bo loyally acceded to. In the meantime the mem-

bers of the D.I.C. rifle club respectfully thank you for the favour granted in your offer of uso of the miniature range and two riflos, .303 pattern, to bo fitted by club with Morris tubes, and full advantage will be- taken of your generous support, but the committee feel that howover enthusiastic members may be at present, a measure of assistance from the Defence Department will be a great factor toward the utility and success of the club. Anticipating your favourable notice. I am, sir, vours obediently, CLUB CAPTAIN.