MARKSMEN GATHERING

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1927, Page 8

MARKSMEN GATHERING

BIG SHOOT COMMENCES TODAY. WELLINGTON, This Day. Over 300 men were iiucamp yesterday for the National Rifle Association meeting which opens at Trentham. this morning. It is oxpectcd the total entries will reach in the vicinity of 400. A number of ex-King's prize men are included in the entries also Sergeant Howard of the Diomede who did Well at the Army meeting last week. The weather last night was dull, but it is believed will keep fine, though the air currents may cause trouble to the marksmen.—Press Assn.

TRICKY CONDITIONS. SOME SOUND ADVICE. GOOD REPRESENTATION. TRENTHAM, This Day. Rain fell during the night, but •cleared away before eight o’clock this morning. When the men paraded to begin shooting ' the service series clouds overhung the range till the mid-forenoon, then me sun came through in fitful gleams and occasional puffs of wind upset marksmen’s •calculations. When the final entries were checked it was found the total wan 352 or .10 less than last year. The Royal visit in the South accounted for a few, who otherwise would have been certain ■competitors, and other causes prevented the attendaneec of still more habitues of Trentham and some who in the local habitat have been showing good promise. The Renown team managed at the last moment to get leave and come out for the service matches. The team put on an average in the initial range which, if maintained, will take some beating.

Before a commencement was made with the shooting Colonel Hughes briefly addressed the competitors, extending a cordial welcome to all, especially the newcomers, to whom he /gave a few/words of friendly advice against the danger of reposing too much trust in either their fellow competitors (he spoke with knowledge on Idris point,. as an old shooting man Aimself) or in the apparent conditions, '•on the range. Both riflemen and Trontham were full of tricks, which might easily prove pitfalls for the innocent, Put they would provide a great fund of experience for future years. , Shooting then began with the rapid lire match in service (A) series.—Press Assn.

OPENING MATCHES. PAIR SCORES REGISTERED. TBENTHAM, This Day. Rapid Shooting Match, 10 rounds at: 300yds in 35sec. —P, J. Firing, Auckland, score 45 out or possible of 50, taking £5, I; F. J. Joune, Gisbone, 40, and J. S. Frazer, Kaitangata, 40, £2 10a each, 2. F. J. Soler, Wanganui, •was next with" 30. .Scores down to 32 came into the prize lint.

Snap Shooting, 10 rounds at 300 yd-;. .—G-. Cornelius, Renown, SOxmt of 100, talcing £5, 1; D. Kcir, Ashburton, 80, £3, 2; C. M. Moss, Kiwi (Dunedin), 77, 3.