THE RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 934, 24 January 1890, Page 23

THE RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP.

THEuews'thatß.O Williams, rf the Wellington Naval Brigade, had Avon tlie Rifle Championship was received in town with considerable

gratification on Saturday night. Popular opinion had installed France as first favourite if Taylor, of Auckland, was to be beaten at all, but Williams seems to have shot with great resolution, and well deserves every credit for a legitimate win. That Fiance was placed second is also a matter of local congratulation. France is a very sfc- ady shot, gifted with any amount of coolness, and a total abstainer from liquor and tobacco. His performance in this instance is a proof that a man may work all night and still keep his nerves and finer faculties, for France is a compositor on the New Zealand Times staff, and consequently is always engaged on night duty. Apart from these two heroes, the Wellington representatives generally have performed exceedingly well, and Atkinson, of the City Rifles, is the winner of the Carbine Challenge Cup. It ma3 T bo mentioned that the only previous occasion on which the Rifle Belt has come to this city was when W. Ballinger won it in 1579. Good shooting seems to be a faculty of the France family. Poor' Ernest France, who was also a compositor who had served his time in the New Zealand Times office, was an admirable shot, and carried off many prizes in Volunteer rifle firing.