RIFLE SHOOTING.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3436, 18 May 1898, Page 2

RIFLE SHOOTING.

Early application will, we understand, be made to the Government for financial support for a team of New Zealand riflemen to take part in the approaching Eifle Association gatherings in Australia. Captain Olderahaw, the secretary of the Federal Council of the Australasian Eifle Association, is already in communication with Major Sommerville, chairman o f the New Zealand Association, with respect to participation of this colony’s representatives in the Federal and other matches to be decided at Raudwick (Sydney) in November, and reports that despite the withdrawal of the New South Wales Association from the Eifle Federation he has arrangedfor its representation in the Federal Match, which will therefore bo a truly Australasian contest. This carries no money prize, but there is also to be competed for the Australian Cup, with a first prize of JEBO. Tnat there will be the keenest and most representative competition for this, which is open to all the colonies, is beyond doubt.

The details of the close fight the New Zealand team made at Bisley with the Victorian representatives for the Kolapore Cup when the latter won by only three points, and when our marksmen were at a decided disadvantage as regards weapons, implies that another tussle between them will be watched with the. greatest interest, ■ So, too, would the meeting of Q uoensland and Now Zealand, for when last they met (at Oamaru in 1898) the former carried off the Federal Cup. It is unfortunate that a number of the host marksmen in New Zealand are members of rifle clubs, and that under the regulations governing the Federal Matoh members of such bodies are not eligible to compete unless their clubs are recognised as portions of the defence of the colony. In Australia rifle clubs are recognised, but here the rule is different, and therefore such first-class shots as Mr W. H. Ballinger (twice winner of the Champion Belt), Messrs jHead, Steadman, Montgomery, Wilson and Ingpen, the Loveday Bros, and others are ineligible. Still an excellent team could be seat from this colony.

It is understood that Major Collins, for many years captain of the City Rifles, Wellington, and the hon treasurer of the New Zealand Eifle Association, will be suggested to the Defence Minister as the gentleman who should be given charge of the team. A better choice could not be m ids. for the Major is only second to Major Sommerville in popularity and experience in this very important connection, and it is to be remembered that at the Federal meeting in Oamaru two years ago, the visiting teams were anxious for him to visit Australia and show the Associations there the excellent system which obtains in -working the annual gatherings in this colony. It has also been suggested that Lieutenant Kirk should, if possible, be sent as adjutant. This would also be a good appointment. Lieutenant Kirk is one of the best marksmen in the colony, and would not be a stranger to New South Wales gatherings of this kind. It will be remembered that he won the gold watch which was awarded as first prijs in the teams match in Sydney

won by tho Petone Eiflo Club some four or five years ago. These, however, are details which can be left for later consideration. In the meantime the Government may fairly be asked to give assistance to the venture; because though what is called "pot bunting” (shooting for prizes by a few especially good marksmen) his been denounced recently, the final effect of rifle shooting competitions is to improve the standard generally; and what that means in time of trouble was indicated to Britain with fatal vividness when the Transvaal Boers made targets of their soldiers. Besides, this is noticeably a time in which the colony should encourage proficiency in rifle shooting, whan first expanse promises to ba the last in a highly important respect. The coat of sending a team to Sydney will not be great, aud the effect of doing so will bs to encourage a proficiency in marksmanship that is likely to be very beneficial to the country.