THE BISLEY TEAM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12852, 28 April 1905, Page 6

THE BISLEY TEAM.

DEPARTURE' FOR .ENGLAND,

[MV TKT.I-ORAI'II.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Thursday. The members of the Bisley rifle team were sworn 111 for service outside New Zealandthis morning. Colonel Collins, addressing a few words of farewell to the men, spoke of the difficulty,of selecting a team where so many were entitled to places, and referred to the fact- that among the first 20 at the recent •hampionship meeting there were several who had visited Bisley in previous years, and were entitled to be chosen had they been able to go. Some had been unable to accept the Govefii- • inent's invitation, but lie was confident, that those chosen would worthily uphold the reputation of the colony.. Referring to the appointment of Major Hughes -to the command,' Colonel Collins expressed the belief that one of the very best officers' in New Zealand had been selected. . Ho. asked for their hearty co-operation in support of the. officer commanding, and felt confident of the success of the team. The war authorities would, supply 20 rifles,..and the uniforms for the team would bo obtained on their arrival .in London. Referring to rides, Colonel Collins said the experience- of- last year's, team was. .thi^, those specially selected*.by ! fcl»vrwuv• Office were quite equal to match rifles, ' and lie felt confident that the team would ■ have no cause to complain of the 20 selected this year. Referring to expenses, Colonel Collins said that' last year return tickets had to be taken out at a cost of £60 each.; this - year lie had arranged for single tickets at £30, so that members of the team could select their own routo for return. Expenses at the competition in" 1904, including "board and lodging and travelling between London, etc., was £25 per mail, so, that at the end of the competition ho was enabled to hand each man £40. In conclusion, l>e wished Major Hughes and the team good luck, and trusted they would be successful in defending the Ko'lupore Cup. Ma jor Hughes briefly replied, expressing no anxiety as to. the resultoorf r the trip, and staled that he had mapped out a. system of practice,, etc., which he hoped would be effectual at Home. The team left this afternoon.