RIFLE-SHOOTING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1775, 14 March 1906, Page 20

RIFLE-SHOOTING.

THE CHAMPIONBHIP MEET NG.

The fifth annual meeting of ihe New Zealand Defence Forces Rifle Association was opened at Trentham ortithe otn inst. under favourable auspicea. There is a record attendance, 433 competitors being present. From a cJpejct&tor s point of view, the weather wassail that could te desired; but to- marksmen it was decidedly trying. The wind baffled some of the most experienced shots. There was first a dead calm; then the wind changed from right to left, and from left to right. From a caliulation for a “left front’* wind, marksmen had io immediately change to “rea® right.” Under these circumstances it| is not Burprising that, many poor scores were made, and that “possibles.*! were scarce. The men were paraded* at the squadding-posts at 8 o’clock, and after they wgre officially inspected d their rifles examined, Colonel Colling, as is hia custom before firing continences, addressed theni’ briefly. He fjpzwd he was very pleased to. see old faces; and glad also to welcome new competitors. The newcomers would learn frffin the “old hands” much of the vagajries of “tricky Trentham/ 3 but he would advise the young men . to find Cut the range for themselves. They| would the sooner be able to overcame its difficulties. Last year he had round it would be necessary to increase . he target accommodation, as, owingfjto the large number of entries, the 'meeting could not be concluded in the usual time. He had placed before ISovernment a scheme for the improvement of the range. Part of that schjme, it would be seen by a glance aroui id, had been carried out. Tb the south! of the original range was a range ej uipped with twelve targets for longd istance dhcoting, and to the north, twmty-oaie targets had been provided for distances up to 600yds. “When the scheme is completed,” continued the Ipolonel, “there will be twenty-four targets on 'each flank and; thirty in the centre. I think that then Trentham willjpbe the most uprto-date shooting ground south of the line; and I am quite suj’e that on this range next year we will|be able to put through one thousand mien if necessary.” (Hear, hear.) . The Government had acted in. a very gsnerous manner in regard to the ranj' e improvements. It was at first imought, when the improvements were mi their early stages, that the work could be done for four or five hundred founds; but up to the present the scheme had cost no less than £1200; andl when everything was completed £2OOO would have been spent on Trentham. | Referring to last year’s BisleJ team’ the Colonel said it had been cheated but not outclassed. It had be« n decided not to send a team this ye ar, the Government having postponed jhe despatch of a team in order to iget a good representation next timJT If the shooting justified it, the Defence Minister would again be approached,, and there was no doubt a team! would

again be sent. He then explained the arrangements for the day, stating that the first range (200yds) of the] Auckland Match would be taken, twentyone targets being used: on the northern (or “Collins’ 3 )’ range and twenty-I)ne on the central (“Sommer ville”) range. An innovation he waO introducing aft this meeting was that “eease fire” wculd be bounded at 1 o’clock each day for dinner, and the targets would be turned down whether a squad was finished or not. This would obviate the . delay caused through waiting for squads to Complete, as experienced in the past. Referring to the, entries he said the present number of competitors constituted a record for the association. There were 433 ]entrants —283 'volunteers and 150 rifle clubmen. He. asked marksmen to give the range, officers all the assistance possible; as their ! duties were onerous, and their positions purely honorary. “I wish you good) luck; may you all do w r ell; and I hope the best man wins.’ 3 Competitors were then ordered to the firing and a few mjinutes later. the first snot in the Auckland Match was fired. It was on the! Sommerville range, and the honour ;’ell to Captain Rarltrop, of the Manchester Rifles (Feilding).r He hit the -bull’seye, but-, of course, the shot w[is not a counter. His next shot, hofrever, ■was a “business”' bull, and he hid the round away long before others had started. There was keen competition amongst those allotted targets <fn the “Collins” butt to get the first shpt off, to “christen” the new range, if The distinction went 1 to Captain ArfPaterson, of the Hawera Rifles.’ j Taken throughput, the shooting was not good. _ This is accounted for ty the eccentricities of the weather. Sflioirtly before 9 o’clock | tlio Auckland Match was entered upon,l but on account '|>f the new conditions necessary, owing |j/the extended range accommodation, i h was well in the afternoon before i Was completed: Befbre it was finish* d the first range of tint Kelson Match seven shots at 500, 600; and-700yds) had been entered upon, «jnd by evening! the initial stage was pcympleted. 'When, the men started to fire at 200yds ik the Auckland Matfib-'. the wind'l was “choppy,” but there was practically no

windage needed on the sights. Only •one possible was recorded. It was made by Sergeant E. Perrin, of Palmerston North. Last year nineteen possibles were made at tie same range in the Auckland Match. This year even 34’s were not very numerous, only fifteen competitors reaching that total, qs follow :—Rifleman G. Craw, Linton; G. Hawthorn, Karori; W. H. Moslem, Kaeo; 0. J, Beauchamp, Picton; J. ‘Greenwood, Upper Hutt; Private D. Rait, Gisborne Rifles; Sergeant J. Mills, Dunedin City Guards; ColourSergeant Moncrief, Colour-Sergeant Jack, A. Butler, D Battery; Corporal Bretherton, Sergeant Buschl, Sergeant E. Shaw, Private T. Williams, and Captain Patersen.

Sergeant Perrin’s Target. 200yds.

Thirty-threes were numerous, but the bulk of the scores were much lower. The range was completed at aibout half-past ten, and competitors went hack to 500yds. where the next stage was entered upon. Here the wind chopped about, and then settled, coming from the north-east. It was a left front wind, and uncommon to the range. The variation was from dead-in to eight degrees left, and many marksmen “cracked up” badly. Sonne who had made good scores at the short range were hopelessly “left” at 500yds. The highest range score was 34 (one off the possible), but only two competitors reached this figure, viz., Lieutenant Edgecombe (Waikato Mounted Rifles) and Rifleman A. Turner (Linton Rifle dub). C. Hollard (Petone Rifle ■dub. Sergeant Sandford (Ghristchuixh), and Rifleman F. C. Standidge (Karori Rifle Club) made 33 each. Many misses were recorded. When the 500yds range was completed, Private D. Rait, who had added 32 to his previous score of 34, and C. Hollard, Petone Rifle Club, who compiled 33 at each range, were leading, both going hack with 66, followed by Sergeant Sandford (Christchurch) and R. Reed (Pongaroa Rifle Club), each with 65. Hollard “kept up his end” at the final distance, compiling 31, which brought his aggregate up to 97, and he won the match by one point, Sergeant Sandford, with the same final range total, finishing with 96. Rait only made 27 in the last stage. He gained seventh place. H. H. Mawley (Opaki) was third, with 95 —32, 30. and 33—while G. Halliday (Karori) and R. Reed (Pongaroa) were fourth and fifth respectively, with 94 each. The final range of the match was not characterised by brilliant shooting, the majority of scores being far beiow 30. -

It was thought that some of the new blood would win this match, but it remained for an “old stager” to take first prize. -Hollard has been shooting at these gatherings since the inception of the old association, having been at thirty or more. He is a member of the Petone Club, and had given up the rifle of late in favour of bowls. Ho has been high up in the aggregates at previous gatherings, finishing fourth at Auckland. He was a member of the teani that visited the Commonwealth in 1900.

H. Hawthorn (Karori Rifle Club) won this match last year with a score of 99 Ho is not shooting this year. C. Hollard’s Targets. 2( >oyds. 500yds.

Following are the details of the day s shooting:

AUCKLAND MATCH.

Open to all members of the Defence Forces; as defined in clause 1, subsections a, b, and c of tbe regulations; 200, 500, and 600 yards; seven shots at each distance. Entrance fee, 5s Prizes —First, .£5; two of £4 (£8), two of £3 (£6), five of £2 (.£10). forty-five of £1 (£45); fifteen of £1 for tyros only (£ls), making seventy prizes, value £B9. Rifleman C. Hollard, Petone (£5)... 37 Sergeant Sandford. Christchurch (£4) 96 Rifleman Mawley, Opaki (£4) ... ••• 95 Rifleman Halliday, ICarori (£3) ... 94 Rifleman Reed, Pongaroa (£3) ... 94 Rifleman G. Craw, Linton (£2) 03 Private Rait, Gisborne (£2) ... ... 93 Private W. Loveday, Woodville (£2) 92 Colour-Sergeant Lyall, Oreti (£2)... 92

Sergeant Mills, Dunedin (JJ2) ... ... 92 Lieut. Edgecombe, Waikato M.R. (XI) 91 ?rivate Parker, Feilding (XI) ... 91 rivate Marrett, Taranaki (X 1) 91 Corporal Whitley, Kaiapoi (XI) ... 90 Corporal Burford, Timaru. (XI) 90 Rifleman Cameron, Opaki (XI) 90 Corporal Paton, Dannevirke (XI) ... SO Rifleman Turner, Linton, (X 1)... ... 90 Rifleman McLeay, Whakataki (X 1)... 89 Rifleman Masefield, Sounds (XI) ... 89 Corporal Morrow. Christchurch (X 1) 89 Corporal Toase, Dunedin (XI) 89 Rifleman G. Hawthorn, Karori (X 1)... 89 Trooper J. Munro, Murihiku M.R.(XI) 89 Rifleman Bradley, Nelson (XI) ... 89 Rifleman Greenwood, U. Hutt (XI) 89 Sergeant J. W. Ching, Waimea (XI) 89 Rifleman Franklin, Weber (XI) ... 88 Sergeant Hadfield, Blenheim (XI) ... 88 Rifleman G. Hyde, Opaki (XI) ... 88 Lance-Corporal Healey, Waimate (XI) 88 Sergeant Cockroft, Oreti (XI) 88 Sapper Kemp, Christchurch (XI) ... 88 Rifleman Vennell, Te Wharau (XI) 88 Sergt. A. Hyde, Hawke’s Bay M.R. (XI) 87 Lieut. C. J. Hollard, Hutt Valley (XI) 87 Rifleman Roberts, Scargill (XI) ... 87 Sergeant White, Christchurch (X 1)... 87 Rifleman Feist, Opaki (XI) 87 Private Harding, Blenheim (XI) ... 87 Rifleman Greensill, Linkwater (X 1)... 87

Rifleman Henry, Opaki (XI) 87 Rifleman Reynolds, Christchurch (XI) 87 Sergeant Murphy, Christchurch (XI) 87 Col.-Sergt. Moncrief, Christc’h (XI) 87 Private Fowler, Hawera (XI) 87 Rifleman Pettigreiv, Kimbolton (XI) 88 Rifleman Smallbone, Nelson (XI) ... 86 Rifleman Head, Petone (XI) 83 Sergeant Lightfoot, Cbristchurcb (XI) 86 Rifleman Thompson, Sounds (XI) ... 86 Col.-Sergt. Jack, Linwood (XI) ... 86 Rifleman Turnbull, Opaki (XI) ... 86 Rifleman Craw, Cborlton (XI) ... 86 Lieut. Surrey, Inglewood (XI) 86 Counted out Kingston (Franklin), Scott (Wanganui), Lacey (Wellington Guards), Palmer (Weber), Maingan (Waikato), Bunton (Waikato), Winsley (Opaki). and Clark (Oliinemuri). TYROS. The following tyros received XI each:— Rifleman Kennard (Linton). 88; Rifleman Groves (Whakataki), 85; Private Greenwood (Waimea), 85; Rifleman Shuttleworth ’(Chorlton), 84; Rifleman Tarr (Karori), 84; Colour - Sergeant Young (Oainaru), 84; Sergeant Acton-Adams (Christchurch), 83; Sergeant Elgar (Inglewood), 83; Private Loves (Timaru). 83; Gunner Pliramor (D Battery), 83; Rifleman Bui ford (Karori), 83; Private Cooper (Palmerston North). 83; Lambert (Kaituna), 83; Sergeant Fisher (Feilding), 83; Corporal Rennie (Christchurch), S 3. Counted Out—Gunner Butler (D. Battery). THE SECOND DAY. The championship riflo meeting was continued at Trentham on the 6th insfc. The sun shone brightly. Operations wore started on the Collins and Sommerville ranges with the second stage of the Nelson Match, while the 800yds stage of the Canterbury Match was entered upon at the Bed don range. The “running man” also made his “bow” to a Trentham audience. This moving target provided good sport for a large number of competitors. Firing at it, which is compulsory, continued throughout the day. The Continuous” match is well named. The target is the figure of a mail in a crouching position, painted black on a square frame, with a white background; and in the centre of the figure is a biill’s-eye. The target is worked by an endless rope. Ela/cli competitor is allowed seven shots (no sighiter), which have to bo fired while the man is “running.” _ A distance of 100yds is covered in sixty seconds, the length of the run being 50yds; the figure goes “there and back.” Prizes are awarded the competitors making the greatest number of hits; and .shots on the bull’s-eye are only specially recognised in the event of a tie. Re-entry is allowed. Much interest centred in the shooting. Despite the newness of the match, some good scores were made, and the passible number of hits were scored by two Wellington ians, viz., G. Hawthorn (Karori Rifle Club) and Private Richards (Wellington Guards). The latter’s score was the best, a,s he hit the bull’s-eye twice, Hawthorn only finding the centre once.

During the day the Nelson Match was completed, the winner turning up in Lieutenant Irvine, the “runner up” in the 1904 meeting, and the “crack” shot of the Bisley team. Colonel Collins expected to complete the Wellington Match (10 shots at 600 and 700yds), which was taken after the Nelson Match, before the evening closed down, but owing to delay with some of the squads, “cease fire” had to be sounded befpre all the men had fired. The Shooting commenced in bright sunshine at 8 o’clock with the first (GOOyds) of the remaining stages of the Nelson Match and the first range of the Canterbury Match (seven shots at 800, 900, and 1000yds). The three ranges were used simultaneously for the first time, while the “ running man ” was also available for competitors awaiting their turn. The highest score was made by Corporal A. R. Ayson, Murihiku Mounted Rifles, who got within one of the possible. Had: he kept up this at the remaining range ho would have had a place high up on the prize-list-, but he only compiled 21 at 700yds. Thirty-threes were made by the following:—Captain W. H. Nelson (Woodville), Trooper Burton (Ekehahuna), T. Marrett (Taranaki), and O. H. Speck (Huiroa Rifle Club). Thirty-twos and thirty-ones were also scarce. lieutenant R. M. Irvine, who was “ runnerup ” in 1904, when Cning won the championship, was leading for the match at.

the conclusion of this range, having put a score of 31 on to the possible he got the previous night at sGoyds. A. France, of the Karori R#le Club, went back with 63 to his credit. At the last range many of the men who had mad© promising totals were completely non? plussed, and, of course, down went their aggregates. Irvine, however, did not “ crack up.” He plugged away steadily, and was rewarded with 28, which gayß him an aggregate of 94—and the match. Ho led by 3 from Sergeant McCardell (Pahiatua), whose scores were 31, 28, and 32. Thirty-two was the highest score at 700yds, made by Sergeant S. Pireece (Gore Rifles), Sergeant MoCardell, and Rifleman McLeay (Whakataki). A Peaho man made the possible c? misses.

It is not usual for three men shooting on the same target to make exactly the same totals. Yesterday, however, three marksmen shooting together at 600yds each made 29, the blackboard showing thus— G. Halliday (Karori), 0*5355335- —2J. Bishell (Tarata), 4*3455444—29 Staff-Sergt.-Major Peacock, 4 3-±3450j —29.

* Sighters

Another hoard read: — Barltrop (Feilding), 5*5543535—30. Morgan (Timaru), 2*5355354 —30. Rifleman J. W. H. Boleyn (Chorlton) made a rather remarkable shoot in this match. He scored 30 at each iange, as follows: — 500yd5—4453554 —30. 600yd5—3355545 —30. 700yd5—4255455—30. i

Last year the Nelson Match was von bv W. Ran dell, Petone Rifle Club, with an aggregate of 96, G. W. Vennell (To Wharau) “ running up with Jo, a score which was also reached by Sergcant Bishop (Hastings) and ColourSergeant McKenzie (Oamaru). Loiporal (now Sergeant) Sandford, of Christchurch, was the winner m 1904, with a total of 93, while m 1903_(w hen the ranges were 200, 500, and 700yds) Corporal Winslade secured pride of place with 91. In 1902 (the present association’s first meeting, the ranges were 200, 500, and 600yds, C. Treyethick of the Petone Club, winning, with 91 from W. Randell (Petone), who compiled 90. Lieutenant R. M. Irvine s Taigets. 500yds GOOyos

The long-range dliooting, which commenced first thing with the 800yds stao-c of the Canterbury Match, continued merrily all day, and the scores made were a “mixture.” When the shooting started the light was bad, there being a mirage. Later, this was not noticeable. Before dinner the highest total was one short of the possible, 34 being compiled by Sergeant-Major Evans, of tbe Christchurch Engineers. Hit) sighter was a bull, likewise _ his first five business shots.. His sixth shot was an inner, and his final round found the centre of the target. His scoring card waff as follows: O 5 5555545 34. There were eight 33’ g Arthur Ballinger, of the Peto-no Club and Private MacLachlan of the Post’and Telegraph Rifles, and iate of the Petone Club, reaching s this total. Pi 11 inner’s sighter was a mms. . Loi noral Barnes, who was included in the fist hit the bull with Ins sighter, bis finst counter finding the magpie. He found the bull with the following ffhot, and kept- on it till the finish. ColourSergeant Robinson (Inverca: rgill) reu “ i nrocedure. His first six versed this P‘““ whilo bis final shot counters weie bulls, possiblc „ of by several competiW* including a member of the Petone ninh \ Timaru captain missed wifh his sighter, made a bull with hia Sst ‘‘business” round, and then, as if satisfied with finding the centre of the target at such a long range, he placet his last shot® somewhere in the hil t., but never a one drilled a hole m the target first. During the afternoon the sh noting at this range was continued, and the range completed, but nothing more than 33 was made. The Wellington Match, which was not ouite completed before nightfall, produced some fairly good results. Of the completed scores, that of Rifleman Thomas (Petone) is top, his aggregate being 85—46 at 600yds and 39 at 700yds. He was closely followed by Private T. Marrett, of Taranaki, and Lieutenant Reid, Queenstown,who each put on 84. At 600 yd& Sergeant Ramsay, of the Hawke’s Bay Mounted Rifles, made two off the possible (50) hk score of 48 beirm also reached by

Private Marrett. Private T. 'William', Waipawa, who made 84 at 000yds,made the sensational score of 47 at 700yds. His first six shots at the latter range were bulls. He got an outer for his seventh shot, but finished with three more bull’s-eyes. Following is a diagram of his target:— Private "Williams’s Target. 700yds.

Following are the details of the day s shooting:

NELSON MATCH

Seven shots each at 500, 600, and 700yds. Prizes—One of £5, two of £4, two of £3, five of £2, forty-five of £l. fifteen of <£l for tyros only; total, seventy prizes, value >£B9. Lieutenant Irvine, Nelson (.£5) ... 94 Sergeant McCardell. Pahiatua (.£4) ... 91 Rifleman Cameron, Opaki (-£4) M Rifleman Boleyn, Chorlton (.£3) ... JO Private Hopkins, W aipawa (£3) ... 89 Rifleman Barker, Be Ron/s {£2) . ••• 88 Private King, Stratford (>£2) 8b Private Irvine, Wairoa (.£2) 87 Rifleman W. Randell. Petone (£2) ... 8/ ■Captain Collett, YVaipawa (£2) ... 87 Private Purnell, Hawera (>£l) ••• ••• Kifleman Winslade., Opaki (£1) ••• Rifleman King, Opaki (£1) ••• Crpl. Humphreys, Hawkes Bay (>£l) 85 Lieutenant Shanks, Gorp (>£l) ••• 85 Corporal Peters, Waipawa (>£l) ... 8d Private TJre, Winton Rifleman Chapman, Te Kapu (.£1) 85 Captain Wade, Studholme (£1) ••• 8a Rifleman McGowan, Mataura (>£l) ... 85 Riflem-an A. France, lvarori (£1) ... 85 Rifleman Greonsill, Linkwater (£1)-.. 84 Lieutenant Edgeeumbe, Waikato (£1) 8-4 Pvt. W. J. Crimp, Green Island (£1) 84 Rfln. McLeay, Wliakataki Tjnui (£1) 83 Rifleman C. Weavers, Weber (£1) ... 83 Rifleman Masefield, Sounds (£1) ... 83 Rifleman MeKenzie, Opaki (£1) ... S 3 Rflmn. Gunderson, Christchurch (£1) 83 Rflmn. Fergusson, Hunterville (£1) 83 Private Fowler, Hawera (£1) 83 Rifleman Mason, Opaki (£1) ... ••• 83 Gunner Plimmer, D Battery (£1) ... S 3 Private Marshall, Wakari (£1) ... S 3 Lieutenant Fox, Auckland (£1) ... 83 Rifleman Danks, Kimbolton (£1) ... 83 Private Burford, Timaru (£1) ... 82 Rifleman Allport, Nelson (£1) ••• 82 Rifleman Avery, Christchurch (£1) ... 82 Rifleman Speedy, Whakataki (£1) ... 82 ’Trooper W. S. Ayson, Murihiku (£1) 82 Rfln. J. Greenwood, Upper Hutt (£1) 82 Private Handing, Blenheim (£1) ... 81 Rflmn- Wilkie, Upper Hutt (£1) ... 81 Lieutenant Reid, Queenstown (£1) ... 81 Sergeant Harbour, Dunedin (£1) ... 81 Corporal Bretherton, Hawera (£1) ... 81 Rifleman Moeelem, Kaeo (£1) ... ... 81 Rjflprmm G. Hawthorn, Karori (£1) 81 Rifleman Franklyn, Weber (£1) ... 81 Sergeant Shaw, Ohinemuri (£1) ... 81 Corporal A. R- Ayson, Murihiku (£1) 81 Private Mairett, Taranaki (£1) ... 81 Rflmn. Whiting, Paraparaumu (£1) 80 Rifleman. Beauchamp, Linkwater (£1) 80 Counted out —Sergeant Hadfield (Blenheim), Rifleman Dawes (Opaki), Rifleman C. H. Speck (Huiroa), Sergeant Skelley (D Battery), Rifleman Milroy .(Nelson), Captain Bailtrop (Feilding), Rifleman G. Hyde (Opaki), Trooper Kimpton ' (Franklin), Colour-Sergeant Moncxief (Christchurch), Sergeant McCormick (Hawke’s Bay), Sergeant Ramsay (Hawke’s Bay), Sergeant Mills (Dunedin), Private McMuriay (Palmerston North), Rifleman R. Randell (Karori). TYROS. The following tyros received £1 each: —Sergeant Murphy (Christchurch), 80; Sergeant Cockxoft (Oreti), 80; Sergeant A. C. Crump (Green Island), 80; Corporal Rennie (Christchurch), 80; Bugler Nicholas (Studholme), 80; Rifleman Mawley (Ojpaki). 80; Rifleman Herbert (Pongaroa), 80; Sergeant Hartnell, (Tara- . naki), 80; Corporal Goldstone (Studholme), 80; Rifleman Bartlett (Petone), 79; Rifleman Wilson (Neltson), 78; Sergeant Fisher (Feilding), 7S ; Rifleman I'\ 35. Whiteman (Upper Hutt), 78; Rifleman Henderson (Sounds), 78; Corporal Watson (Auckland), 78. Counted out —Private McKenzie (Gore), 78; Rifleman Lummis (Christchurch), 78; Rifleman W. Craw (Chariton), 78. THIRD DAY. FIRING IN THE RAIN, After behaving well for two days, the weather broke on the 6th inst. and when “reveille” sounded last Wednesday morning there was a southerly breeze, (the sky was overcast, and rain was falling—but.it was flight. The outlook ■was not cheering, and competitors were not early astir.. The rain was not heavy enough for the shooting to be jposfcponed, and doming overcoats and leggings and “shouldering” umbrellas well as rifles, the men paraded at fhe squadding posts as usual. A few later one lot of competitors marched .through the long, weUgiass to ithe 300yds mound of the Sommerville range, where RapMring .Service Match A was got off, while another section proceeded to the ®ec.don range to enter upon the oAnvd] 0 An vd ] pf the Canterbury Match, the 800yds .distance having been completed the ■previous evening. As the morning a - vanned, the rain became hear W-, ■ehooting .became irksome. Water dripped from ’shooting-cap and rifle, and the sights became blurred. Grass has mot yet had time to grow on the Bring wounds of the new ranges, and they

were unpleasant to walk upon. Through stress of weather, the “running man.’' was confined to his home; but later in the day he continued his exercises, and managed to evade many who sought his life. Rain continued to fall for the greater part of the day, but there were occasional intervals when it looked as if the weather would clear, but this state of things did not happen till about 5 o’clock, when the dark clouds began t<s disperse, and gave place to brilliant sunshine, and the croakers who predicted the usual “three days’ southerly,” found their prognostications were without foundation. Shooting was not wholly dispensed with at any part of the day, and there was not even the usual hour’s spell for dinner at the 900yds range, as Colonel Collins desired to finish up the range before dark. There was a short spell, however, on the Sommerville and Collins ranges between some of the service matches.

Four service matches, which are compulsory/events, were entered upon dining the .day. Orthoptics and verniers are not allowed in these matches, the rifle being used as if the competitor was cn active service. The only privilege allowed to the marksmen is the blackening of the foresight. Two rapid-firing matches were completed before dinner—one at 300yds and one at 500yds. In the former seven shots had to be fired in forty-five seconds from the signal “commence,” the use of magazines not being permitted. The 500yds match was similar to the other, the only difference being that sixty seconds was the timelimit for the seven shots. In the afternoon snap-shooting and cover matches wero started, but they were not quite completed. Corporal McElrea won the A Match with a score of 20 out of a possible 35, while Corporal Lee (Oreti,*, with the good score of 33—two off the possible—won the B Match.

A regrettable incident happened cn the Gtli inst.. but was not made public until last Wednesday morning. A young competitor from the north left the range on “cease fire” with liis rifle loaded. He walked towards the camp with the weapon on his shoulder, mechanically toying with the trigger, when suddenly it went off. Fortunately the muzzle was pointing upward, and the bullet sped away far above the heads cf those in the immediate vicinity. The matter, of course, reached the of the Camp Commandant (Colonel Coilins), who at once disqualified the man, and ordered him off the range. The matter was made known to competitors on Wednesday by the Colonel, who would not have then mentioned it had he not discovered a man on the firing mound (who war; not about to fire) with a loaded rifle. He then thought the time was ripe for a word on the subject. On the Wingatm range in 1890. and at Wanganui in 1896 there were similar occurrences. There were extenuating circumstances in each instance, in that the men had. to leave the range with thenallotted number of rounds uncompleted owinn- to +lm order to “cease fire.” The Wellington Match, which was not quite completed on the preceding day was concluded in the evening, and won by Rifleman W. H Thomas, ? f Petone, with an aggregate of bo. .Has club has now secured two first prizes, the Auckland Match having fallen to O. Holland. Thomas mvdo 46 at 60Jyds 39 at the last range. Lieutenant Read (Queenstown) was “runner up, 1 point behind- . Private Marrett wins the Union Com pairy’s cup for highest aggregate m tho Wellington, Nelson, and Auckland Matches.

Shooting at 900yds, the second stage of the Canterbury Match, saw some of the best shots break down. Shot artei shot missed the target, and the markers, who had an unenviable time in the target trench, must at times have thought that “cease fire” had been sounded on account of the ram. Before dinner fifteen possibles (of musses) had been made, and in some instances by men who had made good scores the previous day in the first stage. Private MacLachlan, of tho Post and Telegraph Rifles, who made 33 (two off the possible) at 800yds, and his corps mate, Private Jones, who had also done well at the first range, were included amongst the list of these possible getters. Of those who fired before lunch forty-seven made scores ranging from two to nine, making in all sixty-two competitors with scores under ten! Sergeant McDonald (Dunedin) was top with 29. He came hack with 24, and opening at 900yds, made a bull with his sighting shot. His first counter was an inner, which was followed by two bulls, and a “maggie.” His fifth and sixth shots again found the centre of the target, while his was an outer. His score read—So, 4553552 —29. Rifleman F. Franklyn (Weber) and Sergeant-Major Barnett (Takaka) followed with 28 each, while ColourSergeant Searle (Caversham), Private Hopkins (Waipawa), and Corporal Symonds (Hastings) registered 27 apiece. There were five 26’s, R. Randell (Karori) being included in the number obtaining that total. Twenty-five’s were also scarce, only three being recorded. The men seemed to be out of their ©lenient .at the range, and were at a loss as to elevation. The wind was from the south, but was not “tricky.” Private T» Marrett, of Taranaki, who was leading for the aggregate the pre-

vious evening by six points from Lieutenant Irvine (Nelson), put on 24 at 900yds, and made a gap of thirteen, which, by the way, is considered on unlucky number, between himself and the Nelsonian, whoso range score was only 17.

In the afternoon the same order of things prevailed as on the morning, and some “awful” cards were seen, such as 0000200000—2 0000000000—0 These examples were only too common, and were more tho rule than the exception. Never have men broken up to a greater extent. It remained for two marksmen, however, to do something brilliant, and the 29’s of the morning were made “runners up” to totals one better. For a long time, however, Colour-Sergeant Moncrief, of Christchurch, was the highest scorer, with 5345544—30, and it iooked a? if tliis score would not be bettered. Right on the call of time, however, SergeantMajor Woollett, of Dunedin, tied him, getting his hits thu5—5535453—30. Rifleman Barton (.Whakataki, Tenui) made 29. a total which lie also compiled at 800yds, his card being rather unique, at such ranges. It reads 500vc15—3553544—29. 900yd5—5245445—29.

Captain Nichol, of the Bluff, also made 29, while amongst the 27-getters were Private Lacey (Guards) and Rifleman Winslade (Opaki). Following are the details of the day’s shooting: WELLINGTON MATCH. 600 and 700yds, ten shots at each distance. Prizes —One of £5, two of £4, two of £3, five of £2, forty-five of £l, fifteen of £l. for tyros only. Total, seventy prizes, value £B9. Rifleman Thomas, Petone, £5 ... 85 Lieutenant Reid, Queenstown, £4 ... 84 Private T. Marrett, Taranaki, £4 ... 84 Sergeant Morrison, Dunedin, £3 ... 83 Sergeant McDonald Dunedin, £3 ... 83 Rifleman Milroy, Nelson, £2 ... 82 Rifleman Judd, Petone, £2 82

Rifleman Barton, Whakataki, £2 ... 82 Private Williams, Waipawa, £2 ... 81 Sergt.-Major Woollett, Dunedin, £2 81 Corporal A. R. Ayson, Murihiku, £1 81 Sergeant Maingay, Piako, £1 81 Private Cox, Auckland, £1 80 Rifleman Hyde, Opaki, £1 80 Rifleman Beauchamp, Linkwater, £1 80 Private Ingrpen, Woodville, £1 ... 80 Lieutenant Blighting, Master ton, £1 80 Private Fowler, Hawera, £1 80 Corporal Whitley. Ivaiapoi, £1 - ... 80 Corporal Miller, Waipawa, £1 ... 80 Rifleman R. Vennell. Te Wliarau, £1 80 Sergeant White, Franklin, £1 ... 80 Rifleman Allport, Nelson, £1 79 Sergeant Moss, Bluff, £1 79 Rifleman Barker, Le Eon’s, £1 ... 79 Sergeant Smaill. Kaitangata, £1 ... 79 Rifleman Welch, Opaki, £1 78

Rifleman Gifford. Tuainarina, £1 ... 78 Lieutenant Surrey, Inglewood, £1 ... 78 Private W. Loveday, Woodville, £1 78 Lieutenant Bolton, Pahiatua, £1 ... 78 Captain Paterson, Hawera, £1 ... 78 Rifleman Winslade, Opaki, £1 ... 78 Sergeant Shaw, Ohinemuri, £1 ... 78 Rifleman A. Ballinger, Petone, £1 ... 78 Corporal Breingar, Gisborne, £1 ... 77 Sergeant Clyde, Wakari, £1 77 Rifleman Gundersen, Christchurch, £1 77 Sergeant Young, Gore, £1 77 Rifleman Lambert. Kaituna, £1 ... 77 Colour-Sergeant Lyall, Oreti, £1 ... 77 Sergt. Peri'in, Palmerston North, £1 77 Trooper Kimpton, Franklin, £1 ... 77 Sergeant Mills, Dunedin, £1 76 Private Rees, Hawera, £1 76 Sergeant Wood, Hawera, £1 76 Sergeant Wood, Hawera, £1 76 Sergeant Cowan, Oreti, £1 ... ... 76 Captain Collett, Waipawa, £1 ... 75 Lieutenant Cox, Auckland, £1 ... 75 Rifleman S. Vennell, Te Wharau, £1 75 Sapper McConnell, Christchurch, £1 J 75 Corporal Cullen, Waipawa, £1 ... 75 Sergeant Thorpe, Wairoa, £1 75 Captain Lennie, Oreti, £1 ... ••• 75 Lieutenant Longworth, Dunedin, £1 75 Counted out:—Rifleman Bisliell (Tarata), Colour-Sergeant ' Moncrief (Christchurch), Rifleman James McKenzie, Sergeant Hadfiekl (Blenheim), Lieutenant Shanks (Gore). . The following tyros receive £1 each: Tarr (Karori) 75, Greensill (Linkwater) 75, Dippie (Dunedin) 75, Riddles (Taranaki) 75, Jenkins (Waikato) 74, Morgan (Timaru) 74, Boys (Timaru) 73, Short (Taranaki) 72, W. D. Ayson (Masterton) 72, Cockcroft .(Oreti) 72 Plimmer (D. Dattery, Wellington) 72, Beckett (Te Kapu) 71, Andrews (Renwick) 71, R. M. Avson (Murihiku) 71, T. Roberts (Scarunted out—Sullivan (Dannevirke). RAPID FIRING MATCH (A)

390yds, seven shots, magazine not to be used time 45sec from signal to commence; entrance fee, 4s; highest possible, 35. Prizes—First £5 second £4, two of £3 (£6), four of £2 (£8), thirty-five prize®, value c£pO. (Iriize twenty-seven of £1 (£27); making money for ties divided.) Corporal McElrea, Linwood, £5 ... 29 Colour-Sergeant Lyall, Oreti, £4 ... - Lieutenant Dippie. Dunedin, £3 ... 26 Sergeant Duley, Dannewirke, £3 ... Sur.-Capt. Mackmght, M.aruaroto, £2 2o Rifleman Ralneaves, Mataura, £2 ... *-5 Private W. A. Smith, Wellington, £2 25 Corporal Rennie, Christchurch, £2... 25 The following each won £1: —Corporal Goldstone, Studholme, Trooper G. Handley, Wairoa, Johnston, Lieutenant Surrey, Inglewood, Sergeant Moss, "luff, Rifleman Turner, Karori (each 24); Sergeant Crimp, Green Island, Rifleman Govenlock, Tarata, Corporal Morrow, Christchurch, Lieutenant Brighting, Masterton, Captain Nelson Woodville, Lieutenant Irvine, Nelson (each 23); Trooper. Kimpton, Franklyn, Rifleman Masefield, Sounds, Corporal Whitley, Kaiapoi, Rifleman Whiting, Paraparaumu, Private King, Stratford (each 22); Sergeant Ching, Nelson, Bugler Eden, Nelson, Captain Barltrop, Feild-

ing. Corporal Farquharson, Dunedin, Sergean't-Major Homer, Wellington Engineers, Wilson, Dunedin, Rifleman Timer, Linton (each 21); Private Fowler, I -Hawera, Sapper Kemp, Christchurch,l Rifleman G. F. Vennell, Te Wharau (each 20). Counted out —Corporal Miller (Waipawa), Sergeant Hulbert (Patea), Sergeant Wills (Southland), Private Mouldey (Linwood), Sergeant Pellow (Waipawa), Private Hirst (Piako), Lieutenant Bolton (Pahiatua), Sergeant Graham (Gore), Rifleman King (Opaki). Private Cooper (Palmeiieton North), Rifleman McLeay (Whakataki), Private McNab (Timaru), Sergeant Ramsay (Hawke’s Bay M.R.), Rifleman Meselem (Kaeo), Private Boys (Timaru), Colour-Sergeant Beckingham (Tim aril).

RAPID FIRING MATCH (B). 500yds; seven shots. Time, 60sec from signal to commence. Highest possible 35. Other conditions same as pre fioue match. Corporal Lee Oreti Rifles, £5 ... 33 Rifleman E. O. Lower., Karori, £3 10s 31 Corpl. Hal pin, Palmerston N., £3 10s 31 Rifleman J. McKenzie, Opaki, £3 ... 31 Gunner- Wickens, Wellington, £2 ... 30 Lieut. Andrews, Christchurch, £2 ... 30 Captain Craw, Linton, £2 ... ... 30 Rifleman Bulford, Karori, £1 10s ... 30 Trooper Garnett, Hawke’s Bay, £1 10s 30 The following receive £1 each: —Sergeant Moss, Bluff Guards, Captain Nelson, Woodville Rifles, Private Causley, Thamesi. Rifles, each SO; QuartermasterSergeaUt Rattray, N Battery, Lyttelton, Rifleman Chapman, Tekapu R.C., Private Ds;rpi«u North Dunedin Rifles, Corporal Whitley, 'Kaiapoi Rifles, Lieutenant 1 1 wins, Waimea Rifles, Gunner Plimmcir, D Battery, Wellington, Corporal Toase( Dunedin Navals, Rifleman Halliday, Karori Rifles, Sergeant Hartnell, Taranaki Guards, Private Burford, Timaru Rdrt Guards, each 29; Captain Mansfield, R.C., Rifleman Barton, Whakataki R.'C., Sergeant Mills, Dunedin Rifles, Twoper Jenkins, No. 3, Waikato M.R., Tiooper George ‘ Loveday, No. 3 Waikato M.R., Private Smith, ,P. and T. Rifles, Wellington, Sergeant Thorpe, Wairoa M.R., Trooper A. It. Ayson, Murihiku M.R., each 28; Lieutenant ; Hollard, Hutt Valley Rifleß, Riflemen Cnrren, Cheltenham R.C., Private Bremigan, Gisborne Rifles, Rifleman T. W. McGowan, Mataura R.C., Rifleman Cameron, Opaki R.C., each 27. Counted, out —Clarke, Fittall, Watson, Grinded, W. Cox, Hopkins.

- FOURTH DAY

Thursday was an eventful day at Trentbjam; The rain clouds of the previous night had all dispersed before daybreak, "the sun rising in a cloudless sky. The ground was covered with a thick coat cjF frost, and the atmosphere was bitterly cold. As the matches for the championship proceeded interest grew, and wherever a man was likely to shoot into a . prominent place he was surrounded by la little knot of men, who breathlessly watched every shot. The aggregates again fluctuated, and Private T. Mareib, of Taranaki, who had led for so long, ivas displa od. He “ cracked up ” badly ’at 1000yds—the most difficult range to fire over —and at the conclusio.- cf yesterday’s shooting—which, by the bye, decided the final fifty to fire off for tho Belt—his place bad been taken by Rifleman W. Winslade, of Opaki, who was second the previous day. In the Gltago Match Winslade gained two points on Marett, but ho put the mattea' beyond doubt at 1000yds, where he made a creditable 25. Lieutenant Irvine (Nelson), of Bisley fame, and Rifleman G. Hyde, -a club-mate of the leader, made a bold bid for tho leading aggregate. Irvine, who was lying seventh when; shooting -commenced on Thursday, 10 points below Winslade and 13 from Mare ft, pulled T£P G points on Winslade in the Otago Match, and 2 more at the long range, their scores being:—Otago Match —Winslade 73, Irvine 79. Canterbury Mafceh (1000yds stage)—lrvine 27, Winslade 25. Irvine had to be content to finish second, with 401, but hri performance was decidedly good; and should the two men be in the same form to-mciriw the shoot between them will be of great interest. Ex-ohampion G. Hyde became decidedly dangerous late in tl'je afternoon, and his shoot at 1000yds was the most interesting of the day. He made 77 in the Otago Match — 4 more than Winslade, and 2 less than Irvine; and he started on the long range with a crowd standing behind him. Ho wanted 25 to tie With \Winslade! and 23 to tie with Irvine, and wp till the last shot he had a chance. His first shot produced a maggie, which waa followed by three inners, and he had three shots to go with which to gain 10 points out of a possible 15. When lie fired 'hie fifth shot there was some delay in ti ne .trench, and it was thought a miss had resulted, but the situation was relieve p. when the dummy target slid into view | showing a bull's-eye. He had gained -anotbecr .5 points with one shot, and thad two sshots to go in which to produce 5 more. His sixth shot, however] went wide, producing only an outej. Still,: he had another chance. A maggie would give him a tie with the top man, and an “inner” a win, and tho fit tie knot of spectators held their breath when .he fired his last round. After a short wait the result was signalled. It was a ricochet—otherwise a miss \ and Winslade and Irvine retained the hr positions, with Hyde a good third, 1 nopit behl:. d the “ runner-up.” Winsladq and Irvine win the ‘two silvermounted ir Frch rifles presented by tbe Govcjrnmefi; lor being the two highest tters in matches 1 to 5.

Besides concluding the matches for the championship, the snap-shooting and “ cover ” events were completed. They need no description, as the scoring lists speak for themselves. The Kynoch Oup, won last year by Rifleman Masefield, Pelorus Sound, awarded to the highest aggregate scorer in these two matches fell to Private W. Loveday, of the Woodville Mes, who made the possible in each event. , Volunteer Match B—ten shots at 60u and 700yds; time-limit twelve minutes per man at each range—was started in the afternoon, but was not completed. At dusk, just on “cease fire” time, Private Garnett, of Hawke’s Bay, made a sensational shoot, putting up the poseible at 700yds. ? This is only the second time such a score has been made at this distance, Searle. scoring the “ possible two years ago. Colour-Sergeant Monorief (Christchurch), with an aggregate of 83, won the Canterbury Match. The Otago Match, which was altered from 800 and 900yds to 600 and 700yds, was won by Sergeant Drummond, Dannevirke. Volunteer Match B, although not quite completed, will fall to Sergeant Perrin (Palmerston North), who is not likely to he beaten. Punctually at 8 o’clock shooting commenoed. The sub was bright, and there was no wind perceptible, the range flags hanging limply around their poles. The few squads that had net competed in the snap shooting and “cover” events entered upon the previous day were marched to the 200yds mound of the Sommerville range. Another contingent were ordered to the 600yds mound of the Collins range, to start the Otago Match, which was altered from an 800 and 900yds ten-shot event to one of. 600 and 700yds, with the same number of rounds. The weather conditions were almost perfect, but the light was . not good, a slight haze being noticeable at the butt, which was rather trying to the eyes. It soon became apparent, that the poor scoring of the previous day was going to he considerably improved, the bull’seye disc being displayed at frequent intervals. W. H. Thomas, Petone Rifle Club, who won the Wellington Match, decided on Wednesday, was one of the first to go down at 600yds. He kept up his reputation of the previous day by getting all but the possible, his tenth shot drifting just outside the hull, hut to the left. The elevation was good, but he had just that hard sort of luck so often experienced on the rifle range. Nine consecutive bulls at 600yds is a good performance at any time. A diagram of his target appears below.

Rifleman Thomas’s Target 600yds.

Shooting on a different target at about tho same time. Corporal Dash, of the Waimate Rifles, compiled a net 46, tde third and fourth shots being the only ones that got outside the bull’seye. His scoring- card read: —

5524555555 —46.

J. P. Smallbone, Nelson Rifle Club, also put on 46, his last five shots finding the bull’s-eye. He opened with a bull also, but his second round was only productive of a magpie, which was followed by a bull and two inners. The blackboard was chalked as follows —

5354455555—46.

The Ballinger Bros, also fired before the morning was far advanced, a coincidence being that they both compiled 37. Sergeant Gilshnan, of Patea, made 45, as did Private Ingpen, AVoodville, and Rifleman Roberts, Scargill; while 44’s and 43’s were also conspicuous. Of those who made the former was Sergeant Drummond- (Dannevirke), who ■was at Bisley in 1904 and 1905. He went across to the 700yds range, and added 47 to his total, his last seven shots piercing the bull’s-eye. His eighter was a bull; but his first counter Was only a magpie, which was followed by a bull and an inner, before he finally got on the bull “for good.” Firing at 700yds (in the same match) was carried out simultaneously with the Shorter stage, and before the luncheon adjournment Sergeant Pellow, of Waipawa. drilled nine holes through the coveted hull, eight consecutively, his score being one off the possible. Opening with an outer for a sighter, Pellow found the centre of the target with his first counter, his next shot going between the bull and the “inner” circle, producing 4, while the remainder of his shots were maximum counters. His target follows—

Sergeant Fellow’s Target . 700yds.

Sergeant Drummond, Dannevirke (already mentioned) was next with 47. Arthur Ballinger (Petone) made 44, and Gunner Plimmer, D Battery (Wellington), scored 43, while G. Halliday, of the Karori dub. made 41, a similar total to the one he compiled at 600yds. In the afternoon the scoring was not much different to that recorded in the morning. Firing at 600yds (Otago Match) Sergeant Dewar, of Oamaru, made 47. but at the longer range he got 17 short of that total. Private J. Purnell, of Hawera, made 45, while 44 was made by Lieutenant Reid, Queenstown. There were several 43’s and 42’s, hut the scores above 40 were much in the minority. At 700yds Lieutenant Irvine made the good scoro of 46 as follows —5445555454. He needed this badly, having ccype hack with 33. Rifleman Wilkie, of Upper Hutt. made 44, as did Captain Skinner, Pieton Rifles. W. Craw (Chorlton) and Sergeant McCardale (Pahiatua) each made 42. Two men competing in the same squad each made the same respective score at each range—a curious coincidence. Their cards show: —

600yd5—3334235432—32. 700yd5—3333224453—32, 600yd5—0222242253—24. 700yd5—2522240232—24

The winner of the match was Sergeant Drummond, Dannevirke, whose total of 91 was not bettered, Thomas, who won the Wellington Match the previous day, “running up” with 86. This is tho third year the Otago Match has been fired under tho same conditions, Rifleman McCaLmont, Opaki, winning in 1905, with a score of 87. The previous year Colour-Sergeant Searle, Caversham Rifles, was top with 91. Sergeant Drummond, of the Dannevirke Rifles, has been a conspicuous marksman for some years. He represented the colony at Bisley in 1994 and 1905. Recently ho made 101 out of a possible 105 on his own range. Following are diagrams of his targets: — Sergeant Drummond’s Targets. 600yds. 700yds.

The long-range shooting (at 1000yds —the last stage of the Canterbury Match) was not much better—if any—than that recorded the previous day at 900yds; but, of course, there were exceptions to the rule n& regards possibles (of misses) which were as thick as bees, and very small scores. During the morning Rifleman C. Whiting, of the Whareroa Club, Paraparaumu, was the finrt to create a “stir.” He started at the range with an aggregate of 28 for the first two stages, his score at 800yds being 17 and 900yds 11! At the most difficult of the three ranges,, however, he surprised himself and the camp by making the splendid score of 31. His target prestented the following appearance : Rifleman C. Whiting’s Target. 1000yds.

Private McMurray (Palmerston Guards) was next with 29. His second shot went through the target, but it was a ricochet, and. of course, did not count, his score being:—

5055554—29

Six 27’s were scored by the following:—Private Mclver, Wellington; Lieutenant Irvine, Nelson; Rifleman C. H. Speck, Huiroa; Sergeant Skelley, D Battery (AVellington); Sergeant Shaw, Ohinemuri ; and Sergeant McDonald, Dannevirke. The following scores made by a Wellington competitor in this match will show how men “cracked up.” It is only one example of many:— 1

800yds—S.4, 5545455 ... 33 900yds—S.0, 0000000 ... 0 1000yds—S.0, 0030205 ... 10

Total

In the afternoon the particular bright star was Lieutenant Brighting, who put up a good performance by registering 3a—5254554. Rifleman Standidge, of Karori was one point behind with 29. Rifleman Newth (Linton) made 28, a total which w'aa also reached by Colour-Sergeant Grmdell, Nanier Twenty-six’s were registered oy Bugler Eden (Waimea), Private Fowler (Hawera), and Rifleman E. 4 • (To Wharau). Late in the afternoon J. Turnbull (Opaki) made 32, a score not previously reached, and which may be regarded as a splendid, performance. Colour-Sergeant Moncrier, Cnristchurch, won the match with a score or 83—26 at 800yds, 30 at 900yds, and 27 at 1000yds.

Following are details of the day’s shooting: —-

OTAGO MATCH. 600 and 700yds; ten shots at each distance. Prizes—One of £5, two of £4, two of £3, five of £2, forty-five of £l, fifteen of £l, for tyros only. Total, 70 prizes; value <£Bo. Sergeant Drummond, Dannevirke, £5 91 Rifleman Thomas, Petone, £4 ... 86 Colour-Sergeant Carey, Patea, £4 ... Rifleman Roberts, Scargill, £3 ... B,> Captain Sk nner, Auckland, £3 ... 83 Rifleman Wilkie, Upper Hutt, £2 ... 83 Lance-Corporal .Tames, Napier, £2 ... 83 Rifleman Masefield, Sounds, £2 ... 83 Corporal Dash, W aim ate, £2 83 Sergeant Pellow, Waipawa, £2 ... 82 Corporal Watson, Auckland, £1 ... Sergeant McCardle, Pahiatua, £1 ... 82 Rifleman Halt day, Karori, £1 ••• Private vV. McKenzie, Gore, £1 ••• 8^ Rifleman A. S. Ballinger, Petone, £1 81 Gunner Plimmer, Wellington, £1 ••• 81 Rifleman Whiting, Paraparaumu, £1 81 Private McLean, Wellington, £1 ••• 81 Sergeant-Major Woollett, Dunedin, £1 81 Rifleflman Bulford, Karori, £1 ... 80 Private W. Ayson, Murihiku, £1 ••• 80 Rifleman Lewer, Karori, £1 Lieutenant Reid, Queenstown, £1 ... 80 Private Ingpen, Woodville, £1 ••• 80 Rifleman Smallbone, Nelson, £1 ••• 80 Lieutenant Irvine. Nelson, £1 ••• Sergeant Clyde. Waikari, £1 £ Rifleman T. Yennell. Te Wharau, £1 A Private Burford, Timaru, £1 £ Sapper Smith, Christchurch, £1 ... '9 Private Anderson, Auckland, £1 Private Coclrroft, Oreti, £1 '£ Sergeant Wood, Hawera, £1 '8 Captain Craw, Linton, £1 £ Corpl. Humphries, Hawke’s Bay, £1 '8 Sergeant Hadfield,- Blenheim, £1 ••• £ Corporal Beauchamp, Linkwater, £1 £ Rifleman Pavnter, Ren wick, £1 ••• £ Rifleman C. Craw, Chorlton, £1 ... '8 Rifleman W. Craw, Chorlton, £1 ••• U Captain Hobbs, Wellington, £1 ... Rifleman Alilroy, Nelson, £1 “ Sergeant Moss, Bluff £1 Rifleman G. Hyde, Opaki, £1 Rifleman Hodder, Karori, £1 ... ••• A Corporal Halpin, Palmerston N., £1 n Corporal Clarke, Geraldine, £1 '7 Sergeant Dewer, Oamaru, £1 ... ‘‘ Private Alarenzi. Eketaliuna, £1 ... Sergeant Marshall, Pahiatua, £1 ... Colour-Sergeant Scott. Wanganui, £1 £ Sergeant Stevenson. Waimate, £1 £ Captain Barker. Le Bons. £1 ... ••• £ Surg.-Capt. Mackniedvt. Mamatwto, £1 £ Sergeant Dule.v. Dannevirke, £1 ... £ Counted out—Captain Collett (Waipawa), Sergeant Smaill (Kaitangata), Rifleman Head (Petone), Sapper Kemp 'Christ church).

Tyros—The following fifteen receive £1 each—Sergeant Elgar (luglewood) £. Lieutenant Brigliting (Masterton) 76. Pn vote King (Stratford) 75, Colour-Sergeant Young (Oamaru) 75, Rifleman McLeay (Whakataki) 75, Sergeant Hartnell <T«anaki) 75, Lance-Corporal Healey (VVaxmate) 74; Private Morgan (Timaru) <4 Rifleman Whitmore (MakurP 73, Corporal W 11. T. Crimp (Green Island) <3, Lo-lour-Sergeant Marsh (Dannevirke) £, Private Dippie (Dunedin) /3, Rifleman C D Beauchamp (Linkwater) 73, Corporal Breingan (Gisborne) 73, Corporal Barnes (Christchurch) 72. Counted out —Rifleman Bartlett _ (PeUne), Corporal Lee (Oreti). Private Roe-erg (Stratford), Corpora (Christchurch), Private W. A Smith (Wellington), Private White (Waipawa). CANTERBURY MATCH. 800, 900, and 1000yds; seven shots at each distance. Prizes—One ot £5, two of £4, two ot £3, five of £2, forty-five of £l. fifteen of £l. for tyros only. Total: Seventy prizes, value £B9. Col.-Sergt. Moncrieff, Christchurch, £5 83 Sergeant AfoDonald, Dunedin £4 ••• 80 Rifleman Winslade, Opaki, £4 ... 8U Sergeant Beckingham, Timaru, .£3... Colour-Sergeant Scott, AA anganui, £3 Lieutenant Cox, Auckland, £2 ••• ‘ Lieutenant Brigliting, Alasterton, £2 ,1 Surg.-Capt. Alacknight, Alamatoto, £2 /7 Lieutenant Irvine, Nelson, £- ••• ‘ Rifleman Barton, Whakataki, £2 ... /b Captain Nicliol, Bluff, £1 ••• ‘ Private Rees, Hawera, £1 ••• ••• £ Sanner Kemp, Christchurch, £1 ... £ Rifleman Lewer. Karori, £1 ... ••• Private King. Stratford, _ £1 £ Private G. Hyde, Opaki, £1... .■• £ Rifleman Kennard, Linton, £1 ••• £ Rifleman Speck, Huiroa, £1 ... ••• 74 Trooper G. Loveday, TV aikato, £1... £ Rifleman AV. H. Ballinger, Petone, £1 £ Rifleman Greenwood. U. xlutt, £i /•* Rifleman AlcHattie, Opaki, £1 Corporal AVhitely, Kaiapoi, £1 ... £ Rifleman Bradley, Nelson, £1 £ Sergeant AVhite, Franklin, £1 £ Rifleman Speedy, Whakataki, £1 ••• £ Sergeant Shaw, Ohinemuri, £1 ••• £ Private W. Loveday. Woodville, £1 £ Rifleman Franklyn, Weber, £1 ... 72 Rifleman Standidge, Karori, £1 ••• £ Private Fowler, Hawera, £1 ... ••• m Sergeant Stewart, Wanganui, £1... 70 Rifleman Boleyn, Chorlton, £1 ••• Sergeant Hadfield, Blenheim, £1 ••• ‘ Rifleman Barker, Le Eon’s, £1 ••• ' Rifleman Chapman, Te Kapu, £1... £ Private Dippie, Dunedin, £1 - Rifleman Lambert, Kaituna, £1 ••• £ Bugler Eden, Nelson, £1 Rifleman G. Craws Linton, £1 ... 69 Rifleman Govenloek, Tarata £1 ... bJ Rifleman Alabbett AVeber £1 - 69 Sergeant Sand ford, Christchurch, £1 69 Private McLean, AA ellmgton, £1 ... 69 Lieutenant Shanks, Gore, £1 ... 69 Sergt.-Major AVoolletfc, Dunedin, £1 69 ■Rifleman Turnbull, Opaki, £1 ... 68 Rifleman E.Vennell, Te Wharau, £1 68 Corporal Ross, Hampden, £1... ... 68 Corporal Paton, Dannevirke, £1... 68 Corporal Lyford, Gisborne, £1 ... 68 Rifleman Tarr, Karori. £1 68 Lance-Corporal Healey, AVaimate, £1 68 Rifleman A. S. Ballinger, Petone, £1 68 Sergeant Murpliy, Christchurch, £1 68

T yros —The following fifteen tyros receive M each:-Rifleman McGowan, Mataura, 67 j Lieutenant Barnett, Takaka, 67; Rifleman Franklyn, Weber, 67; Rifleman Hawley, Opaki. 67; Rifleman McMullin, Weber, 67; Trooper Munro, Murihiku, 65; Rifleman Barnett, Takaka, 65; Private Mclvor, Wellington, 65; Rifleman Cuthbertson, Tuamarina, 64; Sergeant Cooper, Palmerston North, 63; Rifleman C. J. Beauchamp, Linkwater. 63; PrL

vate Baird, Timaru, 62; Private Murphy, Timaru, 62; Sergeant Cockroft* Oreti, 62; Rifleman W. Botham, Tua» marina, 61. Counted out Sergeant Bennett (Oamaru), Corporal Bretherton (Hawera), Rifleman Smallbone (Nelson), Gunner Plimmer (Wellington). VOLUNTEER MATCH (B).° 600 and 700yds, 10 shots at each. Time limit, 12min per man each distance. Sergeant Perrin, Palmerston N., £5 90 Captain Skinner, Auckland, £4 ... 89 Private Marenzi, Eketaliuna, £3 ... 88 Sergeant McCormick, H. Bay, £3... 88 Private Alarett, Taranaki, £2 ... 88 Sergeant Beckingham, Timaru, £2 85 Sergeant Pellow, Waipawa, £2 ... 85 Sergeant Hyde, Hawke’s Bay, £2... 85 Gunner Plimmer, Wellington, £1... 85 Corporal O. Cole, Waimea, £1 ... 84 Corporal Ayson, Murihiki, £1 ... 83 Corporal Geddis, Green Island, £1 82 Private T. Williams. Waipawa, £1 82 Lieutenant Irvine, Nelson, £1 ... 82 The following also won £1 each: A. L. Gee (Linwood), McEwon (Taranaki), Cox (Auckland), Lennie (Oreti), White (Franklin), Dash (Waimate), G. Loveday (AVaikato), Burford (Timaru), Clark (Ohinemuri), Sergeant McCardle (Pahiatua), Garnett (liawko's Bay), Bunting (Canterbury Engineers), AlcConneli (Christchurch), Skolly (Wellington), Busclil (Waimea), Needham (Palmerston), Corporal C. E, Holiard (Petone), Wills (Southland), Sergeant Morrison (No. 2, G.A.V.), Kimpton (Franklin), Liglitfoot (Christchurch).

Tyros—The following tyros receive £1 each: —Shrimpton (Hawera), Young (Gore), Henderson (Waimakariri), Heighw'ay (Hawke’s Bay), Boys (Timaru). Hulbert (Patea), Healey (Waimate), Robertson (Timaru). competitors have not yet fired at the second range, but the result is not likely to be affected. COVER MATCH. Seven shots at stationary head and shoulders target, at 200yds, under service conditions. Prize-money, £62 divided amongst 184 men. Seven hits (15s each),— Sergeant-Major Smith (Palmerston North), Private Alarett (Now Plymouth), Rifleman Lewer (Kanori), Trooper Wills (Southland), Private W. Loveday (Woodville). Six hits (12s 6d each).—Corporal Conibear (Wellington Highlanders), Private Tobin (Auckland), Boleyn (Chorlton), Private Williams (Waipawa), Sergeant Ching (Nelson), Thomas (Petone), CapLain Hobbs (Hutt). Private A. AlcAlurray (Palmerston North), Vennell (Featherston), Gunner AVickens (AVellington), Bradley (Nelson), Sergeant Liglitfoot (Christchurch), Captain Nicliol (Bluff), Sapper Kemp (Dunedin), Private Shieb (Gisborne), Standidge (Karori), Sergeant Skellev (AVellington), Lavery (Christchurch), AA r elch (Opaki), Sergeant Sandford (Christchurch), Parkinson (Turakina). Tliirty-fivo competitors registered five hits and sixty-two four hits. SNAP-SHOOTING. Tho following is the list of principal prize-winners in tli© Snap-shooting Match (SOOj'ds, seven shots, 4sec each, at head and shoulders target. Prize-money £62, to be divided among 149 men) Scorers of seven hits (12s each).—Mortimer (Okarewa), Private Cox (Auckland), Private W. Loveday (A\ T oodville), Alilroy (Nelson), Harbour (Dunedin), Sergeant Sand lord (Christchurch), Captain E. A. Niohol (Bluff), Kennard (Linton), Private Miller (Kaiapoi), Trooper Alunroe (Central Otago), Sapper Bunting (Christchurch), Sergeant Drummond (Dannevirke), Stevenson (Waimate Rifles), Robertson (Timaru Rifles). Six hits (10s each).—Corporal Jenkins (AVaikato), TVileon (Nelson), Sergeant Pellow (Waipawa), Captain Gundersen (Christchurch), F. Franklin (A\ T eber), Captain Bax (Hawke’s Bay), Sergeant Cockcroft (Oreti), Corporal Ayson (Otago), Corporal Dash (AVaimate), Ser-geant-Alajor Smith (Otago), Corporal Paton (Dannevirke), Trooper Barnett (Takaka), Captain Wain (A\ r aimate), Feast (Opaki), Sergeant Smaill (Kaitangata), Corporal Hudson (Dunedin), Kyle (Petone), Ross (Upper Hutt), Alurphy (Timaru Riflesk Lieutenant Irvine (Nelson), Captain Hobbs (Upper Hutt), Bart--left (Petone), AV. A. Smith (AVellington), AV. Tarr (Karori), Sergeant Ching (Nelson), Afoselem (Kaeo), Barker (Le Bon’s Bay), Pettigrew (.Kimbolfcon), and H. Alarshall (Karori). Fifty competitors put five hits on the target, end fifty-six put ou four hits. THE FINAL FIFTY. Rifleman AVinslade, Opaki 403 Lieutenant Irvine, Nelson 401 Rifleman G. Hyde, Opaki 400 Rifleman Barker, Le Boil’s 393 Col.-Sergt. Aloncrief, Christchurch 392 Rifleman Greenwood. Upper Hutt 392 Private T. Alarett, Taranaki ... 392 Sergeant Hadfield, Blenhoim ... 391 Lieutenant Brigliting, Alasterton ... 391 Private Fowler, Hawera 391 Lieutenant Cox, Auckland 390 Colour-Sergeant Scott, Wanganui ... 388 Sergeant Drummond, Dannevirke ... 388 Sergeant AleCardle, Pahiatua ... 388 Sergt.-Alajor Woollett, Dunedin ... 386 Sapper Kemp, Christchurch ... 386 Corporal AA T hitle.y, Kaiapoi 385 Private A. R. Ayson. Alurihiku ... 385 Rifleman Alilroy, 'Nelson 384 Rifleman C. Craw, Linton 384 Rifleman Halliday, Karori 383 Rifleman Alasefield. Sounds 333 Sergeant Clyde, Waikari 383 Private W. Loveday, Woodville ... 382 Rifleman Thomas, Petone 381 Rifleman France, Karori 381 Rifleman Lewei’, Karori 381

Private King, Stratford 381 Private Burford, Tiznaru 380 Lieutenant Shanks, Gore 380 Gunner Plimmer, Wellington ... 380 Sergeant Coekroft, Oreti ... ... 380 Lieutenant Edgecumbe, Waikato ... 379 Rifleman A. Ballinger, Petone ... 379 Sergeant Sbaw, Ohinemuri ... ... 379 Rifleman Fergusson, Ilunterville ..' 378 Rifleman W. Ballinger, Petone ... 378 Colour-Sergeant P. Jack, Linwood 377 Rifleman Boleyn, Ckorlton 377 Sergeant McDonald, Dunedin 377

Sergeant Harding, Blenheim ... 376 Captain Collett, Waipawa ... ... 376 Sergeant Murphy, Christchurch ... 876 tergeant Mills, Dunedin . ... ... 376 ifleman 0. H. Speck, Huiroa ... 3776 Rifleman Judd, Petone ' • 375 Rifleman Cameron, Opaki 375 Rifleman Chapman, Te Kapu 374 Rifleman Barton, Whakataki Tinui 374 Trooper Kimpton, Franklin ... 374 Lance-Corporal Healey, Waimate ... 374 Rifleman Chapman, Rifleman Barton, Trooper Kimpton, and Lance-Corporal Healey, having scored the same number of points, were obliged to fire off the tie, with the result that Healey failed to find the target with any of his shots, and was the one to go out. Barton scored 10, and Chapman and Kimpton each 9. , . Rifleman Winslade’s average for the meeting ie 3.91 per shot. The score is not a very brilliant one for the leading man at a New Zealand championship meeting. The. long range shooting has had the effect of reducing the averages.

It was found on Thursday that a couple of errors had crept into the official prizelist. In the Wellington Match, ColourSergeant Cronin (Woodville) takes tenth Elate, and £2, Sergeant-Major Wooljett, • unedin, being reduced to £l, thus crushing out Lieutenant Longwortn (Dunedin) who goes into the tyro list, 'and receives the same money (£1), Rifleman Roberts (Scargill), who occupies last position in the tyro now numbering among the “counted outs/ In the Auckland Match Rifleman Audi ews (Remvick) takes last place in the orcbnary prize-list. Surrey (Lnglevv r ood) being placed amongst the tyros, out of which Tarr (Karori) lias been taken in favour of Corporal Bret her ton (Hawera).

THE FIFTH DAY

Save for the Champion Team Match there was very little of interest .in the competitors -at Trentham cn Friday, the “small” events on the programme being run through'with great rapidity, so that nothing remains for to-day except- a teams and Cadet Match, the conclusion of the Volunteer Match, and the shoot-off between the final fifty for the Championship Belt. After a hard fight on Friday, the Cliampion Teams Match was won by the Weber Rifle Club’s No. 1 team with an aggregate of 439, the famous Opaki’s and the- Christchurch Engineers (No. 2 team) _ tying for second honours. The tie- will he decided this morning. Thirty-five teams fired, which constitutes a record Tne prize-lists give the results- of other events. The Champion Teams Match produced some good shooting, despite the stiff southerly blowing during the progress of the event. Three possibles were made. At 200yds Private Pmnell, Hawera, scored the maximum ot bull’s-eyes, as did Rifleman Buljcrd, shooting for the Karori Club’s No. 2 team, and Corporal Cole, Waimea, at the 500yds distance. There were several 34’s and 33’s. At the completion of the first range the Opaki No. 1 team, which included in its ranks ex-chain-pious TCing and Hyde, and the present Leader (Winslade), was leading, with a total of 162, made up as follows: Cameron ... 4555454 32 King ... ... 5044004. 32 Winslade". •" .•• 5455455—33 Henry ... ... 4550004 33 Hyde ... ... 5255555 —32 The Weber Rifle Club’s No. 1 team were 11 points behind at this stage, but, scoring 159 to Opa'ki’s 130 at CCOyds, they took first position, _l3 points in advance of Opaki. fine Opaki men pegged away, and •when the last range was fired they had pulled up 11 point*?, finishing second. O. Mabbett, of the Webei Club, who started at 600yds with the creditable score of. 61—9 off the possible —missed tho target twice at the last range, finishing with a range score of 16. The Te Wharau team is composed of the. family of Vermeils, five of whom fired right through the meeting. Following are the details of the day's shooting: CHAMPION TEAM MATCH.

Open to teams of. five men from any volunteer or cadet company, and from any Defence Force rifle club in New Zealand. Two or more teams can enter from any single company, or rifle club.. Distances, 200, 500, and 600 yards; seven shots at each distance. Time limit at 200yds, 40 minutes; time-limit at 500yds, 45 minutes; time-limit .at 609yds, 50 minutes; Entrance fee, £l. Prizes—First, £ls and District Challenge Shield; second, £10; two of £7 10s (£15); two of £5 (£10); making six prizes, value £SO. .. , • Weber. Club (No. 1).

VOLLEY FIRING MATCH (15). 600 and 700yds, seven volleys at each range. Prone position. Time—4s seconds from the order or signal to commence at each distance. Magazines to he charged beforehand. Prizes —First .£5, second £3, third £2. South Canterbury, £5 249 Christchurch Engineers, £3 226 Wanganui Battalion (Phnstn. N.), £2 199 Auckland 179 Wellington R>7 Taranaki 167 RAPID FIRING COMPETITION (16). 200yds, ten shots per man. Use of magazine compulsory. Head and shoulder targets to he exposed ten times at intervals varying from five to ten seconds; each exposure being for five seconds, and at different places along the line of butt Each hit to count one point. Three prizes value £lO. Ties to be decided by the teams concerned firing again under the same conditions. Taranaki, £5 *4O Auckland, £3 *4O Wanganui (Palmerston. N. team), £2 35 Soiltli Canterbury 31 Christchurch Engineers 31 Wellington Battalion 97 Wellington Engineers 19 decided by filing off the ties. RAPID FIRING COMPETITION (17). 600yds, ten shots. Magazines compulsory. Target exposed 60 seconds. Prizes —First £5. second £3, third £2. Wanganui Battalion. £5 204 Wellington Battalion, £3 ... ... 199 Taranaki Battalion 198 Christchurch Engineers 185 South Canterbury 175 Auckland HO COLONIAL AMMUNITION CO.’S MATCH. Distance—Open fire-at 800yds and advance to 500yds, halting and firing at targets, when they appear. On their disappearance the whole line to advance in quick time, with arms trailed in the right hand. Prizes —First, cup valued at £7O and £6 (cash), second £4, third £3, fourth £2. The cup was presented by the Colonial Ammunition Company and the £ls added by the Association. The Company also presented a rifle to go to the company to which the winning team belongs. Competition open to volunteers and riflemen. No. 2 Otago, cup and £6 39 South Canterbury, £4 38 No,. 2 Otago (No. 2 team), £3 37 Taranaki Battalion* 35 Karori Rifle Club* ... ... - 85 Opaki Rifle Club* ... # 35 *£2 prize money divided. Nine other teams competed, the scores ranging from 34 to 10, the latter being made by the Wellington Engineers LOCAL AGGREGATES. The aggregates of all Wellington competitors in matches counting for ( the championship are given below. The places of those who are among the leading fifty are given in parentheses:— Karori Club. G. Halliday (21st) 383 A. France (25th) 381 E. O. Lower (25th) 381 G. Hawthorn 371 W. G. Tarr ... 362 R. Randell ... ... 353 C. Hodder 345 J. L. Turner 343 H. Marshal! ... ... 342 F. C. Standidge ... 341 A. Gillespie 333 W. E. Aston ... ... 317 A. Marcliaut ... ••« ... ... 314 H. J. Bulford ... 311 Petone Club. W H. Thomas (25th) ... ... ... 381 A.* S. BaJlinger (33rd) ... 879 W. H, Ballinger i36fli) ... 378

W. Judd (46th) 375 C. Hollard ... 355 H. T. Head 349 J. Kyle 340 W. Randell 340 C. Hale ... 316 W. P. Pringle 313 B. 0. Bartlett 310 G. S. Pringle 283 A. Moore 257 Upper Hutt Club. J. Greenwood (sth) ... 392 F. Wilkie 358 F, A. Whiteman 326 J. H. Ross 318 T. Whiteman 289 C. Whiteman 286 D Battery. Gunner Plimmer (29th) 380 Sergeant Skelley 346 Bombardier Wickens 344 Driver Butler 303 Post and Telegraph Rifles. Private McLaughlin ... 319 Private Jones ... 308 Sergeant Wakelin 277 Private Smith ... ... ... ... 232 Highland Rifles. . Private McLean ... 368 Corporal Gonibear 328 Private McTver ... ... ••• ••• 321 Hutt Valley Rifles. Captain Hobbs 350 Lieutenant C. J. Hollard 345 Corporal C. E. Hollard 301 Wellington Guards. Private Richards 358 Private Lacey ... ... ... ... 309 College Rifles. Private Mclntosh 266 Wellington Engineers. Sergeant-Major Ilomer 314 THE SIXTH DAY. BELT WON BY LIEUTENANT IRVINE. NELSON’S THIRD VICTORY. AN EXCITING FINISH. With the winning of the King's prize —the Championship Belt —on Saturday afternoon by Lieutenant Irvine, of the Waimea Rifles. Nelson, the most notable meeting in the history of rifle shooting in New Zealand came to a close. The aggregate number of competitors had never been larger, and the conditions laid down for the matches counting for the championship were entirely different to those prevailing in previous years. The meeting was not characterised by many brilliant performances, the inclusion of long-dis-tance shooting—a new departure at New Zealand championship gatherings —tending to keep down the average of points per hit, which this year is 3.8 out of a possible 5.

The championship itself affected only four or five of the fifty men who qualified to shoot in tho final stage, and right up to the last shot the issue was in doubt. Colour-Sergeant Moncrief, a sterling young shot from Canterbury, and the youngest man (he is twentysix years of age) to receive a place in tho final fifty out of an aggregate entry of 430, made a determined hid for tho championship, and had not his nerve deserted him at a critical moment the Belt would lis.ve been his. Fortunately alike for tlio competitors and the numerous crowds of spectators who flocked to Trentham to witness the closing scenes, the weather proved most favourable, although the men who lay down to shoot in the final stage may possibly have wished for a steadier breeze, and one that had not tho elements of trickery in its constitution. A week on the range, however, had given affair idea of what Trentham winds are capable, and not a grumble was heard as the marksmen took their places on the firing mound. The crowd that witnessed tho sliootoff bad never been larger, but perhaps this is accounted for by _ the fact that in the past championship or “show” day had been a Wednesday, and not, as on this occasion, a Saturday. And then additional interest had been added by idie opening of new ranges, which increased the target accommodation from twenty-nine to sixty-two. The special train which conveyed visitors from town carried about a thousand people, and this number, added to those who were present throughout the gathering and spectators from Upper Hutt and surroundings, must have made the total about two thousand. They stood nine and ten deep along the fir-ing-mound behind the ropes that had been put up to keep them a reasonable distance from tho marksmen. Among the civilians present were the Hons. Colonel Pitt (Attorney-General), W. Hall-Jones (Minister for Public Works), T. Y r . Duncan (Minister for Lands). C. H. Mills (Minister for Customs), and several members of Parliament, while the military was represented by the Commandant of the Forces (Major-General Babington), Colonel Webb (Officer Commanding the Wellington District), Major Joyce (District Adjutant), and many volunteer officers and men. THE LOWEST TWENTY-SIX. In former years the “final Jifty,” as the competitors permitted to fire ill the final stage for the “King’s prize” are called, all fired together, but. then long-range shooting was not in vogue. It has been brought into championship gatherings this year for the first time, and there are only twelve tareete

provided on tho range. As it would have taken too long a time for the fifty men —'four to a target—to shoot together, the twenty-six marksmen with the lowest aggregates were squadded at half-past one o’clock, and ordered to shoot; the leading twenty-four going down at three o’clock, in order that tho publio might be permitted to see the best of the shooting. The aggregates for the lowest twentysix marksmen ranged from 381 to 374, and, with the exception of five, none of the scores made in the final stage brought their grand aggregates Up to Winslade’s total of 403, and ho was leading for the Belt with ten shots to go. Rifleman A. J. Cameron, of the famous Opaki Club, however, was the “bright particular star” of the “first brigade.” He was_ tying with W. Judd, of the Petone Rifle Club, for forty-sixth place, with an aggregate of 375 —ono point below the fiftieth score —when he lay down; hut he mad© the brilliant score of 37 out oif a possible 50 at this, the mast difficult of all the ranges : and when the fifty had fired off, and the grand aggregates had been compiled, it was found that Cameron had fired into tenth place, tying with Sergeant Drummond, of Dannevirke, with a total of 412. Cameron made the best range soore of the day; and had ho been a little higher up in the aggregates when the final test came on, no doubt something sensational would have resulted. The following is a diagram of his target. It will be seen by the position of the shots that his elevation was good, the wind alone having kept him off the bull

Rifleman Cameron’s Target. 1000yds.

Private Burford, of Timaru, shot well. He held twenty-ninth position, tyingj with three other competitors, when ho entered upon the final stage, but making 31 at 1000yds, he was twelfth at the finish, his score of ,411 being equalled by five others. Sergeant T. Murphy, of the Christchurch Guards, also made 31, and shot up from forty-first place to twentieth, tying with Sapper Kemp, of the Christchurch Engineers, with an aggregate of 407. Lieutenant Shanks (Gore), lying twenty-ninth at the start, improved his position with a score. of 28. At the conclusion of the shooting he held eighteenth place, with an aggreate of 408, similar to that registered by Rifleman C. .draw,, of Charlton. Rifleman Roleyn,- also of Ohorlton, “ cracked up ” completely , finishing absolutely last with a range - score of 8 and an aggregate of ' - 385. Trooper Kimpton (Franklin Mounted Rifles), who was one of tho four to shoot off for a place in tlio fifty, put up the good score of 31, which, added to liis previous aggregate, gave him a grand total of 405, and twenty-third place, and Rifleman Barker, of Le Boms, was on the same mark. Arthur Ballinger, with a score of 27, improved his position considerably, shooting up from thirty-third place to twenty-second, his grand aggregate being 406. His brother went down from thirty-sixth place to thirtyseventh. THE FINAL TWENTY-FOUR.^ When the final twenty-four began to shoot at 3 o’clock, the Trentham range was a gayer spot than it had ever been. The bright, vari-coloured uniforms, representative of practically every volunteer corps in the colony, the gay dresses of the ladies, who were present in large numbers, the smart playing of the Garrison Band; and, above all, the brilliant sunshine of a glorious summer’s day, made the scene a charming one, which will long be remembered by those who witnessed the contest for the King’s Prize of 1906. The ever-changeable wind of the New Zealand Bisley was not strong, hut was from the reatr for tho most part, and had the . effect of keeping most shots off the bull’s-eye—and a number off the target altogether. Rijlonian Winslade, of Opaki, the leading man, was allotted target No. 4> and ho lay down to shoot with the Woodville “ crack,” Private W. Loveday. Lieutenant Irvine (Nelson) had the next target to the south, which he shared with Sergeant Clyde (Waikari), while one squad further on was ex-champion G. Hyde (Opaki), who held third position : and Rifleman Masefield, of the Sounds. Rifleman J. Greenwood, of the Upper Hutt, was allotted the target at the extreme north, which ho shared with J. W. Milroy, of Nelson, last year’s champion. Colour-Sergeant Monorief (Christchurch) and Rifleman C. Craw (Ohorlton) had the last target to the south. The men went down in the following order (their ranks will be seen in the scoring results): — / . Target No. Greenwood, Milroy ... ... 1 Marett, Ay son 2 Hadfield,- Whitley ... .. 3 Winslade, Loveday ... ... 4 Irvine, Clyde ... ... 5 Hyde, Masefield ... 6 Blighting, Kemp ... 7 Fowler, Woollett ft

Cox, McCardle .•M 9 Scott, IXnnnmond .... 10 09arker, Halliday ... ... 11 Moncrief, draw .M* *2 When shooting commenced, the Belt ‘'anybody's,” for the) week’s shooting had shown that the long ranges kept the begfc of marksmen off the target. However, the biggest crowd was behind Winslade, Irvine, and Hyde; and from- among the three the winner was expected to come. WinBlade’s sighter found the target, an “outer” being signalled from the trench. Hyde’s shot was the same, but Irvine’s found the bull’s-eye. The first “counters” were watched with interest: but when Windlade and Hyde had pulled, their triggers, the targets were not pulled down, which was the silent signal for a miss. Of course the men challenged the shots, but on an examination being made the decision of the markers was upheld. Irvine, who was between the other two, was more successful, his first business shot producing a magpie, and giving him a lead of one point from Winslade. Winslade was more successful with his next shot, which was an inner; and so was Hyde, who placed a bullet near the edge of the target, scoring 2. Irvine, with bis second shot scored the maximum, piercing the bull’s-eye near the centre, which gave him a lead of six. Winslade missed again, and his chance of winning looked small. Hyde’s shot was a “maggie ” but nothing was signalled when Irvine fired. Naturally enough, he challenged; and to the surprise) of all the “miss” was sustained. ‘Again the three men fired, and curiously enough each target showed a tull’s-eye. The fifth attempt resulted —Winslade 2, Irvine 2, Hyde 0. The test was now half over; and the boards showed:— Irvine ... ..... 35052 —15 Winslade ... ... 04052—11 Hyde , 02350—10 Irvine was now two points ahead of Winslade. But how were the others getting on? Colour-Sergeant Moncrief and Rifleman Greenwood looked decidedly dangerous at this stage. With a miss for a sighter, Moncrief got a “maggie” for his first counter, went one netter the* next shot, and then found the bull’s-eye and at his fifth shot was still on the bull, his score being : 34555—22. Greenwood had not been so successful, but four of his shots had produced inners and one an outer in the following order:— 42444—18 The grand aggregates now stood: — Irvine 416 Moncrief ... ... ... 414 Winslade 414 Hyde 410 Greenwood 410 Howler ... ... ... 407 The figures show that an interesting stage in the contest had been reached, only two points: separating the first three men, six the first five and nine the first six. The spectators had not long to wait for the next shot; and the word was soon passed along the line that Moncrief had again found the bull’s-eye; and this being his fourth one in succession, the crowd began to elbow its way down towards the young colour-sergeant. He was now leading for the Belt by two points, Winslade’s . shot producing three, while Irvine failed to find the and was therefore third, one point Delow Winslade. Hyde also missed, and was practically out of the contest as far as first or second place went. Moncrief now became nervous,

his elbow seemed to be cramped; and he shifted his position three times beiore he pulled the trigger; but like ' the preceding four shots, it found the centre of the target, a bull’s-eye being signalled. Irvine got three and WinBlade foui’, the position being:— Moncrief ... 424 Winslade ... ... ... 421 Irvine ... ... 419 Hyde ... 413 Greenwood ... ... 412

, Moncrief must win,” was the muffled exclamation when his performance had been made known; and this certainly looked the case; but his nerves were not equal to the occasion. There ■Was breathless silence when he pulled the trigger; and the people strained their, eyes towards the big white target almost three-quarters of a mile away. But the impassive marker had not been disturbed, and it was not till a telephone message had been sent to the trench with the peremptory order, Examine No. 12,” that he. knew the 1 marksman had fired. “ Clean target ” ! Was the result of the examination; and those who had gathered around Moncrief realised that all might yet be lost. At the same time, Irvine, with stolid determination, had sighted carefully, and was rewarded with a bull’s-eye, which put him level with Moncrief arid one point ahead of Winslade, who had only found an “ outer.” Greenwood had also got a bull, and was lying fburth, With two more shots to go. Again Moncrief missed, while Irvine made 4, and only an aJccident could now with one shot to go—give Moncrief the Belt. "With his ninth shot Winslade also misled, while Hyde and Greenwood made 4 and 3 respectively , the 'positions being-^

Irvine , v .... 428 Moncrief ..... .... ... 424 Winslade .... .... .... 403 Greenwood .... .... 420 Hyde ... .., 419 Irvine would have to miss with his round for Moncrief to win, or for Winslade (who would have to get a bull’s-eye) to tie for first, honours. But the Nelsonian was equal to the occasion, and with his last shot secured a magpie —and the championship, with a grand aggregate of 431. Moncrief, who agiain found the target—his last shot producing an outer—was “ runner-up ” with 426; Greenwood third with 425, while Winslade, who again missed the target with his last shot, tied with Hyde for fourth place, the order being— Irvine .... .... ••• 431 Moncrief 426 Greenwood... 425 Hyde 423 Winslade ... ••• ... 423 Rifleman Barker, of Le Bon’s Bay, who, with Private T. Marett, of Taranaki, held fourth position when the final stage was entered upon, made the poor range score of 12, and finished twenty-third. Colour-Sergeant Scott (Wanganui) dropped down to thirtyfifth position from twelfth 'place, his score at 1000yds being 11. There were numerous other poor scores, no fewer than 169 misses being recorded amongst the anal fifty’s shoot. This means approximately a miss every third shot. Following are the details of the day s shooting: "THE KING’S.” Open to all members of the Defence Forces, as defined in clause 1, subsections a, b. and c, of the regulations. Open to the fifty highest aggregate scorers in matches 1,2, 3,4, and o, Distance, 1000yds. Ten shots. The score made in this match will be added to the scores made in matches 1,2, 3,4, and 5, and the highest grand aggregate scorer will become the winner of the King’s Prize and the holder of the Champion Rifle Belt for 1906. (The holder of the Belt must be a member of the New Zealand Defence Forces). Prizes—First, Champion Belt, gold medal, presented by the Right Hon. the Defence Minister, and <£3o; second, silver star and <£2s; third, silver star and <£2o; fourth, silver star and <£l2; eight prizes of <£s each; and 38 prizes of .£2 each. Thus, every man to shoot in the final fifty, receives a prize. The figures in parentheses show the aggregates previous to the final stage be-> ing fired. Lieutenant Irvine, Nelson, Champion Belt, gold medal and <£3o (401), 3505203543—30 ... . <•• 431 Oolour/Sergeant Moncrief, Christchurch, siLver star and <£2s (392) 3455555002—34 426 Rifleman J. Greenwood, Upper Hutt, silver star and <£2o (392) 4214420535-33 425 * Rifleman G. Hyde, Opaki (400), 0235003244—23 ... 423 ‘Rifleman Winslade, Opaki (403), 0405234200—20 * 423 Private T. Marett, Taranaki, £5 (393), 2002225533—24 417 Corporal Whitley, Kaiapoi, .£5 (385), 0425255242 —31 416 lieutenant Brighting, Masterton, £5 (391), 5400222405—24 415 Private Fowler, Hawera, <£s (391), 2425320023—23 ••• 414 Sergeant Drummond, Dannevirke, £5 (388), 4033233033—24 ... ... 412 Rifleman Cameron, Opaki, .£5 (375) 5224452553—37 412 fSergeant McCardle, Pahiatua (388), 3550440002—23 411 fLieutenant Cox, Auckland (390), 5020025043—21 411 fSergeant Hadfield, Blenheim (391), 0230500343—20 . ••• 411 fPrivate A. R. Ayson, * Murihiku (589), 0043230554—26 411 fßifleman Masefield, Sounds (383) 2253542023—28 411 fPrivate Burford, Timaru (380), 4325423422—31 411 Lieutenant Shanks, Gore (380), 02320535350—28 408 /Rifleman C. Craw, Chorlton, £2 (384), 0505055004—24 408 tapper Kemp, Christchurch, <£2 '' (386), 2045023320—21 407 Sergeant Murphy. Christchurch, <£2 (376) 5355032503—31 407 Rifleman A. Ballinger, Petone, <£2 (379), 5302232442—27 406 'Rifleman Barker. Le Bon’s, £2 (393) 4000503000—12 405 Trooper Kimpton, Franklin, <£2 (374), 0532420555—31 405 Rifleman C. H. Speck, Huiroa, £2 (376), 2303420543—26 402 Private King, Stratford, -82 (381), 0224504040—21 . ... 402 private W. Loveday, Woodville (382) 2322003035—20 402 Rifleman J. W. Milroy, Nelson, <B2 (384), 2350200402—18 ... ... 402 Rifleman A. France, Karori, .£2 (381), 3002325302—20 401 Captain Collett, Waipawa, <£2 (376), "2200522354—25 401 Rifleman G. Halliday, Karori, £2 (383) 2040022233—18 ... _ ... 401 Rifleman Fergusson, Hunterville, £2 (378), 0004202545—22 _ 400 Sergeant McDonald, Dunedin, £O2 (377) 0202250255—23 .... ... 400 Sergeant Shaw. Ohinemuri, <£2 (379), 5200302540—21 .... ... 400 Col.-Sergeant Scott, Wanganui, <£2 (388), 0002230040—11 399 Gunner Plimmer, D Battery, Wellington, (380), 0030432250—1 399 Rifleman W. H. Ballinger, Petone, £B2 (378), 0202225304-20 ... ••• 398 Rifleman Lewer, Karori, ,£2 (381), 0020025044 —17 398 Sergeant Mills, Dunedin, £2 (376), 0050252422—22 .... - ••• 398 Clyde, Waikari, £2 (383), 2320000025—14 397 Lieutenant Edgecombe, Waikato, £2 (379). 2403042030 —18 397 Rifleman Thomas, Petone, £2 (381) 3400000404—15 896

Sergeant-Major Woollett, Dunedin, £2 (386), 0000302050-10 396 Rifleman Chapman, Tekapu, £2 (374) 4220020835 —21 ... ... 395 Private Harding, Blenheim, £2 (376) 0000232504—16 892 Rifleman Judd, Petone, <£2 (375), 4003002042 —15 390 Col.-Sergeant Jack, Linwood, .£2(377) 0000022243 —13 890 Sergeant Cockroft, Oreti, <B2 (380), 2400002002—10 390 Rifleman Barton, Whakataki, Tinui, <£2 (374), 0500000250-12 386 Rifleman Boleyn, Chorlton, £2 (377), 2000004020-8 ... ... ... 385 *To fire off. A silver star goes to the successful marksman and £Ol2, the loser receiving £BS. fOne of these six will receive £5 and the rest .£2 each. OTHER EVENTS'. Prior to the championship being fired, the programme was " cleared up.” Those who had not completed firing in volunteer matches A and B got off their remaining rounds. The prize list of A match ig appended; the principal B match results have already been published. The Defence Cadets Match, which attracted about 70 entries from Wellington and Wanganui, was fired, Corporal'Williams, of Wanganui, making the highest score —59 out of a possible 70. A teams "chattie” match, nine entries, resulted —Invercargill 1, Opaki 2, Karori 3. A test was then made of the new short rifle, recently adopted by the British War Office, five men from Opaki trying conclusions with five Karori men. VOLUNTEER MATCH (A). 200, 500, and 600yds; seven shots. Time limit, Bmin per man at each distance. Prizes value <£so. Private Crimp, Green Island, J 85... 96 Corporal Halpin, Palmerston N., £B4 94Sergeant Perrin, Palmerston N., £3 93 Private McMurray, Palmerston N., £B3 93 Lieutenant Irvine, Nelson, £B2 ... 92 Sergeant Morrison, Dunedin, £B2 ... 92 Corporal Needham, Palmerston N., £2 92 Lieutenant Shanks, Gore, <£2 92 Sergeant Hulbert, Patea, £Bl 92 Lieut. Longworth, N. Dunedin. <£l... 82 Private Cooper, Palmerston N., £Bl 91 Sergeant Hadfield, Blenheim, <£l ... 91 Trooper Kimpton, Franklin, £Bl ... 91 Sapper Kemp, Christchurch, £\ ... 91 Sergeant McDouald, Dunedin, <Bl ... 90 L.-Corpl. Geddis, Green Island, .£1 90 Captain Skinner, Auckland. <£l ... 90 Private Purnell, Hawera, <£l 90 Sergeant White, Franklin, £1 ... 90 Corporal Dash, Waimate, £Bl 90 Sergt.-Major Evans, Christchurch, <£l 89 Sergeant Duley, Dannevirke, .£1 ... 89 Private Gebbie, Waipawa. <£l ... 89 Corporal Farqnharson, Otago, £Bl ... 89 Sapper Buntin, Christchurch, <£l ... 89 Sergeant Thorpe, Wairoa, £Bl 89 Corporal Crimp, Green Island, <81... 89 Lieutenant Cox, Auckland, .£1 89 'Captain McKnight, Maniatoto. <£l... 89

The following tyros each win .SI: Corporal Goldstone, Studholme (89); Trooper Heuderson, Waimakariri (88); Private Mclntosh, Wellington College Rifles (88); Colour-sergeant Lyall, Oreti (88); Sergeant Murphy, Christchurch (88); Sergeant Pel'tow, Waipawa (87). Counted out —Holmes and Homer. DEFENCE CADET MATCH. 200 and 500yds; seven shots. Open to New Zealand Defence Cadets. Entrance fee Is. Prize money £Bl5. Corporal Williams. Wanganui, £81... 59 Sergt. -T. Paterson. Wellington Col., 15s 56 Capt. O’Connor, St. Pat’s Col. 15s ... 54 Private McGonagle, Wanganui, 12s 6d 53 Private O. Stout, Welgn. Col.. 12s 6d 52 Sergeant Haase, Wanganui, 12s 6d... 49 Sergeant Sigley, Wanganui, 12s 6d... 48 Sergt. Trolove. Welgn Col., 10s ... 48 Private Short, Wellington College, 10s 47 Private S. Butt, Welgn Col., 10s ... 47 Corporal Soler, Wanganui, 10s ... 45 Private Focker, Welgn. Col.. 10s ... 42 Ten prizes of 7s 6d each were Avon by Kempion (2), St. Patrick’s College; Forder Wanganui; Mills, St. Patricks; Dinnie, Wellington College; Copeland, Wamranui; Londrus, Wanganui; Stewart, St. Patrick’s; and Hunter (2), Wellington College (with scores ranging from 42 to 38. Fifteen prizes of 5s each Avere also Avon, with scores dropping from 37 to 27. MOVING TARGET. The continuous match at a running man target resulted in a Avin for Sergeant Skelley, of the D Battery, Wellington. Avho got the maximum number of bits (seven), including tAVO bull’s eyes. He receives £BS. Private Richards (Wellington Guards) was second. Avith seven hits (one bull’s eye). His prize is £B3. There Avere thirty-one other prize-takers. FORMER CHAMPIONS. The folloAving is the list of marksmen who have won the Champion Belt at New Zealand meetings. Up to the year 1901 the riflemen of the colony managed thenown meetings, of which the folloAving Avere their champions;— 1861— Lieutenant Brighton, Auckland 1862 Private Holt, Nelson 1863 Lieutenant Owen, Wanganui 1864 Lieutenant Morse, Nelson 1865 No competition 1866 Sergeant Christie, Otago 1867 Sergeant Chisholm, Otago 1868— Sergeant Taylor, Otago 1869 No competition 1870 — Lieutenant Goldie, Otago 1871— Captain Wales, Otago 1872 Captain Wales, Otago 1873 Lieutenant Hoskings, Thames 1874 Captain Hamlin, Waiuku Rifles 1875 Lieutenant Skinner, Auckland 1876 — Private J. Wilcocks, Clutha 1877 Lieutenant Paynter, Nelson 1878— No competition , 1879 Corporal W. Ballinger, Wellington 1880— Okey, Taranaki 1881— Lieutenant Paynter, Nelson 1882— Corporal Hutchinson, Dunedin 1883— Sergeant Kennedy, Dunedin 1884— Private W. Churton, Wanganui 1885— Lieutenant Lucas, Thames 1886— Sergeant Remington, Wanganui 1887— Captain White, Gordon Rifles 1888r—Hon. Major Purnell, N.Z. Voluni tears

1889— Sergeant Parslow, Auckland 1890— P.O. Williams, Wellington. Navali 1891— Private Kruse, Wanganui Rifles 1892 Sergeant Doughty, A Battery, Auckland 1893 — Private A. Ballinger, Wellington Guards 1894 Captain E. R. Smith, Dunedin Guards 1895 W. H. Ballinger, Petone Rifle Club 1896 Sergeant Wakelyn, Christchurch 1897 Private A. Ballinger, Wellington Guards 1898— Private J. ' McGregor, Oamaru Queen’s Rifles 1899 Bandmaster King, Oamaru Garrison 1900— No competition 1901— W. H. Nelson, Woodville After the 1901 meeting, the Government, which had previously subsidised the old association, took over the management of the meeting under a neivlyformed body, knoivn as the Neiv Zealand Defence Forces Rifle Association. The old association handed over the champion belt and all its other trophies to the Government associaljtotn. The fofloAving are champions of the Government meetings:— 1902 G. Hyde, Opaki Rifle Club, Masterton. 1903 R. J, King, Opaki Rifle Club, Masterton 1904 — Sergeant J. W. Ching, Waimea Rifles, Nelson 1905 — W. J. Milroy, Nelson Rifle Club, Nelson PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. Half an hour after the shooting had concluded the crowd gathered in a ring l round the platform on Avhich the Belt, shield, cups, and other prizes competed for during the meeting were arranged. The "final fifty” Avere paraded, and Aver® given a place of honour on inner edge of the ring. Miss Seddon. MajorGeneral Babington. Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, and the Ministerial party having occupied the platform, the ceremony Avas opened by Lieutenat-Colonel Collins. H® said the Defence Minister (Mr Seddon) ivas unable to be present as his duties required him elseAvhere, and Mrs Seddon, Avho had been asked to present the prizes Avas Avith him. Her place Avas taken by Miss Seddon. Speeches Avere then delivered by the Hon. Mr Hall-Jones, the Hon, Mr Pitt, and Major-General Babington, Commandant of the Forces. A report of the proceedings appears elseAvhere in this issue. Miss Seddon presented the principal prizes. There Avas great applause as she placed the Belt, bandolier-fash ion, round Lieutenant Irvine’s shoulder. Colour-Sergeant Moncrief’s success in obtaining second position A\ r as popular. ihe OA-ation which burst forth Avhen Rifleman Greemvood, of Upper Hutt, stepped fonvard to receive his prize for third place iu the championship, shoAved mat the Valley Avas Avell represented in the croAvd. SPEECHES AT TRENTHAM. DEFENCE MATTERS. AUSTRALASIAN RIFLE MEETING SUGGESTED. STANDING CAMP WANTED. Before the prizes for the championship rifle shooting meeting Avere presented at Trcntham on Saturday, speeches Avere delivered dealing not only Avith the meeting, hut Avith matters of general interest in connection Avith the defence of the colony. The Hon. W. Hall-Jones congratulated Colonel Collins and these present on tne fitting termination of the meeting. He congratulated the prizeAvinners —especially on tlio fact that he had not himself been among the competitors. (Laughter.) He regretted the absenco of the Minister for Defence, roognising, as they all did, the deep interest Mr Seddon took in defence matters and volunteering. It was only necessary to compare the conditions of a feAv years ago Avith present conditions to realise the great advance there had been in the volunteer movement. They Avere taking paid, in the Avork of the Empire, and they Avanted to do their duty in maintaining its integrity. It Avas uoav half a century since England had been involved ill Avar Avitli any European Power, but nobody could say Avlien circumstances might arise which Avoukl necessitate the assistance of every one of the men he Avas addressing. He had been glad to see reoorts of references made by Lord Roberts to rifle clubs, shoAving that their usefulness Avas recognised by the highest military authority of the Empire. He congratulated Lieutenant Irvine on his Avin, remarking that he had been second tAVO or three years ago. The champion of the colony had for three years in succession come from Nelson. These meetings at Trentham had confirmed the opinion that there should he a permanent rifle range in the colony. The attendance had increased this year, and if they had not had the best of AA'eather they must remember that in Avarfare they had to contend Avith all conditions. The niee - ing throughout had been successful, and he Avished them many more such gatherings. The Hon. A. Pitt read a telegram from the Minister for Defence regretting exceedingly his inability to be present. He (Mr Pitt) joined m the congratulations to Colonel Collins, and those who had taken pa/rt in the meeting. It had been a great advance on previous meetings, although the scoring had not been so good. The Government had done more for this meeting than they had been able to do on any previous occasion. It was considered that there should bo a permanent rifle ransro

for tlie championship meeting. Notwithstanding that the wind was tricky, anyone who knew about rifle ranges must come to the conclusion that Trentham was an admirable spot for the purpose. He proposed to visit the range at an early date with Colonel Ooillins and to receive suggestions for its improvement. General Babington had suggested that, instead of having a camp of tents at Trentham, there should be a standing camp of sheds. (Hear, hear,” from many men who had suffered from the cold of the nights during the week.) Such a camp would not only be a great convenience for the competitors at the championship meeting, hut could be used by Wellington volunteers for the Easter encampment. Ho -would make representations to the Minister in that regard/and lie was quite sure from the interest that gentleman had taken in volunteer matters lie would not be

slow in giving his consent. He was very pleased that the meeting had been a success in every way—not only in regard to the number of competitors and the shooting, but that the conduct of the men in camp had been excellent. That Was to be expected, since a man could take no liberties with himself if he wished to shoot well. He joined in congratulating Lieutenant Irvine and the other prize-winners. He could speak of the champion not only as a good shot, but as a good volunteer, having known him during the time that lie (Mr Pitt) was officer commanding the Nelson district. That Lieutenant Irvine was not a “ chance shot ” was shown

by the position lie had taken at the last three championship meetings and the fact that, as a member of the Bisley team lie had had a very good chance for the King’s Prize at Home. The position of the volunteer movement was very much improved since ten year® ago. At that time, he recollected, the volunteers if they wanted a rifle range had to find it for themselves; but now it was generally accepted that the Government should provide rifle ranges and Bhould contribute a considerable amount for repairs. The condition of the force at present showed that the volunteers were grateful and were ready to respond with their services to the obligation incurred by having money spent on them. Major-General Babington. Commandant of the Forces, said lie was quite sure that any sensible suggestion made to th© present Government would be carried out. It. was the business of the

executive to think out what was want-

ed. The shooting at the meeting had not been up to the high standard of last year, but he thought that was a very good thing. Record's were very well in their way. but they were a dish of which if you ate too much you were apt to get a complaint called “swelled head.” They could be quite sure that every man who came to tlie meeting did his best, and lie could not be asked to do more. To prevent a false idea being entertained with regard to the long-distance range he said battles were not won by long-range shooting ; they were won by rapid shooting at short range. Since he had been in New Zealand be bad been in favour of getting tlie conditions of the shooting to be as similar as possible to the conditions of active service. Cover matches and rapid-firing matches had been introduced. At was very important that volunteers and rifle club men Bhould practice snap-shooting because no enemy would stand still to be shot at. The competitions for the Belt since he had been in New Zealand bad always been very keen between rifle clubs and volunteers. There had been an idea .—lie hoped it was exploded now—that he was against rifle clubs. He thought as much of rifle clubs as of volunteers, but he had tried to put them on thenrespective levels. He would be as pleased to se© one win iue belt as the. other. He added his congratulations to the winners, th© executive and tlie Competitors. . At th© conclusion of the prize distribution, Lieutenant - Colonel OoLlins thanked the officers who had. helped to make the meeting a success. The range-officers had rendered their services gratuitously. The inclusion of long-range shooting in the competition for the championship marked an epoch in rifle-shooting in New Zealand. There had been a difficulty owing to the fact that there were only twelve tagets on the long-distance range, but he hoped that by next year the full complement of twenty-four would be provided. The Government had spent £I2OO on the range during the past year, and he waP quite sure the Defence Minister would see that the range was made ipomplote As there were a number of Ministers present, he would make a suggestion—that the next championship meeting should be an Australasian meeting; that prizes shpuld be offered that would induce Australian competitors to come and shoot at Trentham. (A voice: Bring some Englishmen, too.) Yes, we might g it Englishmen, too. The men who would citeud the meeting would afterwards visit the Exhibition. He commented on the , efficiency of the marking at the meeting. There had been, he theuglit, 076 challenges, and very few had been upheld. By the receipt of challenge tees the association was enriched to the extent of £7B 2s 6d.

200 500 600 yds. yds yds. Tl. J. K Franklyn........ ... 31 31 33 - - 95 J? ; C. Franklin. ... ... 32 34 28 - - 94 W. G. Franklin ... 31 32 29 - - 92 g. Palmer ... 0. Mabbett ... — ... 26 ... 31 32 30 23 - 16 - - 81 - 77 ; , • j .• • 151 159 129 - -439 Opaki'Club (No. 1) ; - 90 - 89 - 87 - 87 - 84 W. Winslade G- Hyde ... . - B. J- King ... . v J. Henry ... A. J.' Cameron* ... ... 33 ... 32 ... 32 ... 33 v. 32 30 27 27 27 24 27 - 30 - 28 - 27 - 28162 135 140 - -437 Christchurch Engineers (No 2). - 94 Sapper Bnntin • ... . ... .... . 32 31 31 - Sapper Hemp . ... . .. 33 30 30 - - 93 Iiance-Corporal. Lester .. 33--29 28 - - 90 Sapper Smith ... 28 31 23 - - 82 SeTEreant-Maj or Evans .. 30 29 19 - 78 1C'* ■' J . ? !■ 156 150 131 ~ 437

Palmerston North. Rifles. Corporal Needham 33 30 30 - 93 Private Cooper ... ... 28 80 32 — 90 Corporal Raskleigh 31 30 28 — 89 Corporal Hatpin 24 31 29 — 84 Sergeant Perrin 29 27 28 — 79 145 148 142 —435 Wanganui Rifles. Sergeant Harrison 33 34 24 - 91 Colour-Sergeant Scott ... 33 31 26 — 90 Lance-Corporal Anderson 28 28 32 — 88 Sergeant Stewart ... 31 32 25 — 88 Sergeant G. Harrison ... 26 30 19 — 75 151 155 136 -432 Hawera Rifles. Private Rees 31 34 28 - 93 Private Purnell 35 31 25 — 91 Captain Paterson 32 30 28 — 90 Private Fowler 31 25 22 — 78 Sergeant Wood 26 27 24 — 77 155 147 127 —429 Other Teams. Onaki Club (No. 2) ... 150 150 128 —428 Christc’h Engin’rs(No. 1) 152 150 122 —424 Waimea Rifles 154 138 131 —423 Ivarori Club (No. 1) ... 148 152 123 —423 Petone Club (No. 1) ... 153 147 122 422 Hawke’s Bay M.E. 157 136 127 —420 Wairon M.R 145 135 139 —419 Goi’e Rifles 148 147 122 —417 Oret.i Rifles 154 139 128 —416 Waipawa Rifles (No. 1) 152 144 120 —416 Victoria Rifles ... 146 137 132 —415 Green Island Rifles ... 143 142 128 —413 Nelson Club 149 147 116 —412 Dannevirke Rifles 149 140 118 —407 Timaru Guards 148 151 107 -406 Opaki Club (No. 3) ... 143 154 108 —405 Christchurch Club 148 135 120 —403 Upper Hutt Club 143 114 115 —102 Woodville Rifles 145 137 120 —402 Karori Club (No. 2) ... 151 149 102 —402 Timaru Rifles 13S 139 121 -398 North Dunedin Rifles... 149 136 113 —398 Whakataki-Tinui 148 132 114 —384 Waipawa Rifles (No. 2) 135 143 10-8 —385 Linton Club 151 125 109 —335 Weber Club 138 139 102 —379 Petone Club (No. 2)... 148 136 92 —376 Te Wliarau Club 150 125 98 —373 P. and T. Rifles (W'tn) 147 H2 110 —339