SKILL WITH THE RIFLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21296, 24 September 1932, Page 9

SKILL WITH THE RIFLE

MILITARY FIXTURE PENDING TROPHY WITH A HISTORY The first volunteer military rifle meeting - j to be held in Auckland since 1911 will take place on the Penrose rifle xange on October 24. Of outstanding, interest in connection with the fixture is the trophy to be awarded to the champion of champions of the territorial force in the Auckland district. This is a handsome belt with a history. t The belt, which is of polished black leather heavily mounted with silver, was originally competed for by members of .the Victoria Rifles, a pre-war company of the 3rd Auckland Regiment. Its possession was first contested in 1888, and engraved silver plates testify to its changing hands periodically until 1911. Owing to reorganisation with the introduction of compulsory military training, it passed from com-, petition. With the reintroduction of the voluntary training it has been allotted for the Auckland territorial championship. The forthcoming meeting has aroused keen interest. There will be 30 teams com-,. peting, and it is anticipated that there will be at least 200 individual competitors. They will come from as far as Pukekohe and Helensville. Several championship trophies will be awarded, and, in addition, the Territorial Association will provide miniature and spoon trophies. The City Rifle Club has donated fivo silver spoons for competition among. terntorals and cadets, and several units have donated spoons. To encourage contestants a system has been introduced under which Z5 per cent of the competitors will receive prize - money. ... L- - The teams to compete will compfise secondary school cadets, the Royal Navy, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Air Force and rifle club members. Considerable improvements have been made to the range. * Serious loss and disability occurred last February when the target shed and tar- - gets were destroyed by fire, but the position has now been practically rectified.