THE RIFLE MEETING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8987, 27 February 1888, Page 5

THE RIFLE MEETING.

JOTTINGS FROM OAMARU.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Oamaru, Saturday. This morning broke fine, but after twelve o'clock thick clouds came over obscuring the sun for the remainder of the day, which with the fresh breeze from the sea made it cold and uncomfortable for practice. The Otago men, numbering upwards of 60, arrived to-day. Tho majority of them have gone into camp. Living in tents may be all very well in warm weather, but none of tho Auckland men have a hardening that way, especially as the weather looks threatening. Two or three of the Wellington and five Taranaki men, who left Wellington yesterday by the Takapuna, did not reach Lyttelton in time to catch the train this morning, consequently they will not arrive in time to take part in the first match, unless firing is delayed for a few hours. There does not seem to be a great many new faces. I think the majority of the competitors who fall in on Monday, when the bugle sounds at one o'clock, will bo the same old crowd who "bob up serenely" year after year. Last year every other man you met voted, and declared he would never go to another meeting as long as " Kynock " was used, but the great majority of them have come up smiling to have another buck at it.

A largo number of Auckland men Were out this morning, having a shot to keep their hand in, and some very fair scores were made. A party went out this afternoon to have a look at the range, and all seem to be very well pleased with it. One thing is certain— there is any wind we shall get it fair, as the rango is very open. It is situated about three miles out of town. The Auckland and Thames men are living at hotels in the city. Our advance guard had arranged with several of the expressmen to run us out and home for one shilling a day, but since then they have had a meeting, and the result is they have raised the faro to Is 6d. We do not like being "had," so all hands have decided to walk each way, which will no doubt bring the expressmen to their senses. They are certainly standing in their own light, as they would make from £3 to £4 for the week for about two hours' work each day, namely, from seven to eight in the morning, and from six to seven in the evening, thus leaving them the best part of the day for their usual business. I suppose they consider we are fair game to be plucked, but we object to be plucked. The majority of us have been to too many of these meetings to be jumped on in that way. There is every appearance of fine weather for to-morrow. To-day has been beautiful. Lieut.-Colonel Mahon takes command of the camp. There arc 25 targets. Firing should be over within a week.

Ciiristchurch, Saturday. Fifty-four Canterbury volunteers left for the Rifle Association Meeting at Oamaru to-day.