Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,500 Copies Daily. WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 1908. A NOVEL CONTEST.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8543, 25 March 1908, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,500 Copies Daily. WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 1908. A NOVEL CONTEST.

Newspaper enterprise finds many methods of expression, but it does not always find sa useful and commendable an outlet as the London Daily Mail's latest proposal. This

journal has circularised the rifle clubs and volunteer corps of the Empire in regard to the Empire Day rifle competition which was inaugurated last year and took place for the first time on May 24tli. The competition is open to any team of marksmen (eight highest scorers to count on the day of the competition) from any Militia, Volunteer, Police or Civilian Rifle Association or club in the British Empire (or British Rifle Club or Association in foreign countries). Three ranges are to be fired at, 200, 500, and 600 yards, and the Bisley rides will govern the match. This means that the shooting will be carried out under the same regulations that were in force at the recent Trentliam championship meeting. Associations, corps or clubs will fire on their own

ranges, in their own country, and the match will be shot under the direction of an independent range officer, who will sign the score sheets, which must record the conditions of the weather. The eight highest scorers on the day will count as the team of an association, club or corps, so that any organisation desiring to compete may select a larger number of marksmen and covint the eight best scores made. A very large number oL.teams from all parts of the Empire will take part ill the coming match, and amongst those alroady entered are two from New Zealand, the Opaki Rifle Club (Masterton), and the Waikino Rifle Club (Waikino, Auckland). An excellent opportunity is offered to marksmen of the Dominion to achieve distinction for themselves and to help in the great work of Imperial unity. Every shooting association—volunteer or rifle club—of New Zealand should enter a team, and where that is not possible each strong shooting corps or club should do so. Further particulars, if required, may be obtained at the Defence Office of any military district. The Daily Mail has donated a very handsome and costly challenge cup, to be hekl bv the winning com-

bination for one year, and also forty medals, which are to be distributed amongst the members of the first five

teams. The successful marksmen in the winning combination will each receive' a silver medal, and those of the other lour teams will be rewarded bronze ones. Practically the Imperial Championship will also go with the result pf the match, and this honour will doubtless appeal more to marksmen than the intrinsic value of the trophies. The scheme, we may add, has the cordial endorsement of Lord Roberts and other prominent military authorities.