NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7274, 12 March 1885, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

[by telkgraph.— press association.] Wellington, Wednesday. At the range to-day there was a good deal of confusion as to the squadding of the men, owing to the staff being shorthanded. The weather was very fine, but if anything too bright. While some of the competitors were bathing ab the bay this morning, one of their number, Corporal Grant, of Oamaru, was attacked by a small octopus, but he reached shore without sustaining any injury, The octopus was caught and destroyed.

The Hawke'e Bay Match was completed to-day at ball-past eleven a.m., Lucas, of the Thames, winning with the tine score of 93 out of a possible 100. The following are also prize-winners in this match :—

Henderson (Auckland), Turner and Ballinger (Wellington), and Jones (Waikari) were counted out.

The third match (Auckland) is not yet completed. The ranges are two, three, and five hundred yards; seven shots at each distance ; open to all members of the association, to count for each belt. The following are highest scores that have finished :— Lieutenant Okey, Taranaki Kiflea 86 Private Ckuit n, Wauganul Kifles til J. frouse, civilian 83 Gunner Watson, Port Ohalmers Artillery.. .. 82 Sorgeant Greenfield, Ouznarii Artillery .. .. S3 I'rivate W. Soper, Spring Creek Kills .. .. 81 Private Thomas Thames Hangers SL Qu irlennastcr Scott. Wellington Artillery .. 80 •Lucas, Thames Ringers .. .. .. ..80 Private Coooer, Auckland Rifles 80 Warrant Oliicer Davy, Wellington Navals.. ... 8i)

About half the men have yet to complete for the three hundred yards, and some of .them are well up. Of those who have finished the first two matches, counting for the belts, the following are the live highest aggregates :—

Should the weather continue fine, it in hoped to have the championship decided on Saturday afternoon. The next match is the Marlborough match, 500 and 600 yards, open only to rifle volunteers, members of the association, and to count for the rifle belt, and will be commenced in the morning, A handsome silver tea and coffee service, valued at seventeen guineas, subscribed by the Wellington ladies, has been made first prize in Otago match, and published. The first prize will be second, and so on, making twenty-six prizes in that match.