RIFLEMAN VENNELL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10847, 12 March 1921, Page 11

RIFLEMAN VENNELL

WINS KING’S PRIZE AT TRENTHAM YESTEROAV PGOR SHOOTING IN FINAL COMPETITION LADY JELLICOE PRESENTS PRIZES (FROJ* “ N.Z. TIMES" SPECIAL REPORTER.)

TRENTHAM, last night

There was a fairly large gathering of visitors at Trentham this afternoon to witness the shooting for the King’s Prize. The wind was light and gusty blowing across the Seddoti range, making accurate marksmanship a difficult matter, but as in previous years, the average scores obtained were below those secured in any other tenshot match at .the meeting. At 2.30 o’clock forty-nine contestants were lined up at the squadding posts, ammunition was served out to them, their rifles examined and tested, and targets allotted. The marksmen shot in pairs, tv.enty-five targets were used, and the only absentee was Rifleman Kennedy (h'rankton), who was thirty-seventh on the list with an aggregate score of 485. After the men had taken their position on the mounds, 'His Excellency the Governor-General (Viscount Jellicoe) arrived, accompanied by his staff — Major-General .Sir E. Cliaytor (commandant of the X.Z. Forces), Colonel it. J. Collins (chief executive officer to the Rifle Association), Colonel G. Powles (camp commandant), and Lieu-tenant-Colonel J. L. Sleeman (Director of Military Training). His Excellency tcok a great interest in the shooting, and moved from scoring board to scoring board as each shot was made. The bring was slow, and in one instance -a contestant took three minutes to fire each shot.

Rifleman E. E. Vennell (Te Wharau), the winner of the belt, was the first to get liis ten shots away. His sighter was a ‘'bull,” while Captain Neilsen missed the target with his, and Rifleman Croxton registered a 3. The wind was of an extremely baffling nature, ard during the progress of the shooting changed from left to right and then suddenly veered round again. Rifleman W. 'H. Thomas (Linton), who is an old ©hot, was no sooner down on the range when the crack of his rifle rang out, and a bull’s eye was signalled, amid applause. From the time the fiist shot was fired until the last was sent away an hour had elapsed. Vennell shot steadily right through the final. His. first was on the upper right-hand corner of the bull’s eye and his second —a 2—waa on the extreme left of the target, but the elevation was perfect. His next was a “bull” to the right and his fourth, a 4, in the same direction, but at a lower elevation, and just itside the circle, while his fifth was a 3 on the edge of the circle, low to the left. He registered a “bull’’ with his sixth close to where he had placed his two previous ones, and he missed the target with his seventh. With, his eighth he found the “black” again, and his nineth struck the right edge of the target high up. The final shot ■was the best of the lofc as it pierced the target almost in the centre. Captain Neilsou, after missing with his sjghter, kept in the target with all his shots, but only got a 5 with one of them. Croxton started iwVll with two “bulls,” and much interest was centred in him, but last- year’s champion failed to repeat his performance, an<i missed the tar-get with his fifth and tenth shots, and finishe dten points behind Vennell in. the aggregate. Lieutenant Donald, of Opaki, who secured a score of 30, tied with Croxton for third place, and, in accordance with the rules, each fired three ©hots to determine the winner. Croxton socred a 3,2, and 2, and Donald missed with his first shot, obtained a 3 with his second, and a 4 with hia third. Shot for shot wag then fired, and Croxton found the “full,” while Donald registered a “magpie.” There was also a tie for twentyfifth place between Rifleman J. Brydon (Kaia'poi), D. Armstrong (Ta-hora), and W. j. Henry (Christchurch). The latter had left, the range, and Bryden and Armstrong fired off for the position. Each registered seven in three shots, and firing shot for shot each secured a 5, then a 3, and finally Bryden won by registering a 3; Armstrong having missed the target. Rifleman A. E- Balunger, son of Mr Arthur Ballinger, the donor of the Champion belt, worked his way up the aggregate by his shoot in the King’s Prize, previous to which he was nineteenth on the list. His sighting shot was a 3, and his first “counter” returned him an equal number of points. He followed this up with a 4, then a 6, a 4, and two s’s. His seventh shot was an “outer,” .and his final three shots were a 5,4, and a 5 respectively. It was the best shoot of the afternoon, and Ballinger was heartily cheered for his effort. By adding 42 points to his aggregate h ejumped to sixth place in the prize list, a very creditable performance. Ballinger, by his success, won the grand aggregate gold medal, which is awarded to the highest aggregate scorer in all matches in the service and belt series. , He also won the Rifle Challenge Cup, awarded for the highest scorer in the King’s Fifty. The poorest shot made for the King’s Prize waa that of Rifleman S. H. Staopoole (Na-pier), wh o registered a 3 with his aTghter, which he discarded, and he never found the target again. When the winner of the champion belt was known, Rifleman E. E. Fennell was chaired in accordance with the old-time custom, and was carried to the platform by members of the Te Wharau Rifle Club. When the “belt” was placed over his head by Lady Jellicoe the champion was loudly cheered. ADDRESS BY COLONEL COLLINS. Colonel J. G. Collins, after thanking Lord and Lady Jellicoe for their kindness in risjtmg the meeting, claimed that the D.R.A.. in it© existence of 42 years, had done the Dominion great service by producing men who could use a rifle efficiently. He had recommended that the champion shot on this occasion should be sent Home to Bisley to compete at the July meeting there. The Minister for Defence had sent him a telegram stating that the Government, while regretting its inability to place ou the Estimates an amount sufficiently large to cover the expense of sending a team to Bisley, was willing to pay the expenses of sending to Bisley the champion rifle shot of the Dominion. Colonel Collins referred to the fact that the; meeting juwt concluded was the last at which he would appear in the capacity of chief executive officer. He said that ho was resigning with considerable regret. He would not be altogether cut off from the association, but would carefully watch its interests. He hoped that the organisation and equipment of the Territorial Forces would soon be completed, so that the young men would be able to take up rifle-shooting more extensively. It would be a good thing if the

champion territorial shots of the various districts were to be sent at the ■ expense of the Government to fire at Trentham. PRIZES PRESENTED. Her Excellency Lady Jellicoe then presented the numerous trophies won during the meeting to the successful competitors, amidst the hearty plaudits of the assembly. HIS EXCELLENCY’S GOOD WISHES. His Excellency thanked Colonel Collins for the welcome extended to him and to Lady Jellicoe. They were only too glad to attend such a meeting. Rifle shooting was a recreation of which he was himself very fond. He wished the champion rifleman who was to shoot at Bisley the best of fortune. He believed that by encouraging rifle shooting among the members of the younger generation the D.R.A. could do a great service to the Dominion. No one was better able to encourage young men to learn t.o shoot than those who were themselves fond of the sport. He was sure that all who had attended the D.R.A. meetings *woiild regret the announcement that Colonel Collins means to resign from the position ot chief executive officer. All would feel grateful to Colonel Collins for the work he had done for so many years in the interests of rifle shooting. A WORD OF APPRECIATION. Colonel Collins mentioned in appreciative terms the services rendered to the association by the officers who had assisted in. the 'management of -the meeting. He particularly referred to the work of President Marshall (Korori), whom he had to thank for a great deal of valuable help. The marking had been very efficiently done at this meeting. ' PRESENTATIONS TO COLONEL AND MRS COLLINS. Lord Jellicoe announced that he had been invited to make a very interesting presentation. The competitors at tlio meeting, in order to show their appreciation of the work of Colonel Collins, wished to offer him a. present on his retirement from the post of chief executive .officer. Colonel Collins’s chid hobby in life had been rifle shooting, and he had done perhaps more than anybody else in tbe Dominion tor the encourngoment of the sport. He was called in this country the “Grand Old Man” of rifle shooting. (Applause.) The competitors would wish him long life and good health. He was the only commander who took a New Zealand team Home to Bisley and brought back the Kolapore Cup. A© waa natural with one who was an enthusiastic rifleman, Colonel Collins had been 51 tower of strength in the Volunteer Force.’ The Governor-General handed to Colonel Collins a solid silver table centre inscribed as follow©: —“Presented to Colonel R. J. Collins, C.M.G., by the members of the Dominion Rifle Association on his relinquishing the position of cnief executive officer in appreciation of valuable services rendered as a member .of the executive for forty-two years.” In addition to the table centre Colonel Collins received a silver sweets dish, intended as a present for Mrs Collins. . Enthusiastic cheers were given Colonel Collins. KING’S PRIZE. Ten shots at a 1000 yards; open to the fifty highest aggregate scorers in the eight belt matches. First prize, A. Ballinger Belt, gold medal and gold badge, together with .£SO; second prize, silver star and badge and .£25; third prize, silver star and badge and ,£2O; fourth prize, silver star and badge and .£l4. Other prizes: Eigttt of .£5 with D.R.A. badge; thirteen of £2 with D.R.A. badge, and twenty- . five of £l. E. E. Vennell (Te Wharau), 52543505 25—36 54 9 Capt. A. Nielsen (Napier), 2423225433 —3O 543 H. V. Croxton (Karori), 5523023240 — 26 539 H. A. Donald (Opaki), 5305054053—30 530 H H. Mawley (Opaki), 42552555333 39 ........ 538 E- A. Ballinger (Petone), 3454552545 — 42 536 J. O. Carter (Petone), 4432322045—29 536 W. 11. West (Blenheim), 4050242234 — 26 531 R. Gilliek (Dunedin), 4324430222—26 530 R. Piper (Christchurch), 4054240343 — 29 528 W. Moselen (Kaeo), 5030435455—34 ... 527 D. McLeay (Te Kuiti), 5430330402—25 527 H. Simmonds (Bketahuna), 4345335334 —37 524 A. Patrick (Auckland), 3200343403 — 22 523 A. H. Dixon (Auckland), 5003323433 — 26 522 C. Whiteman (Suburbs), 3502242432 27 521 W. N. Masefield (Sounds), 3040544432 —29 520 B J. C. Rieston (Auckland), 06550353 00—26 520 N. Wood (Frankton), 2035323400—22... 520 H. Reynolds (Christchurch), 0253233 234—27 519 H. Hunt (Suburbs), 5550000255—27 ... 510 D. J. Guinev (Petone), 4432044405 —30 517 W B. Pearce (Rangitikei), 2222354504 ' —29 517 E- Sandford (Christchurch), 40240004 44—22 516 J. Bryden (Kaiapoi), 5023244333 —29... 511 D. Armstrong (Tahora), 3205024222 22 514 W. J. Honry (Christchurch), 045440 450329 514 H. C. Jones (Okawa), 2400022003—13 510 G. Hyde (Opaki), 4430454000 —24 509 A Dodd (Auckland), 0523052303—23... 509 D. J. McLeod (Okawa), 5022454303—28 508 W. H. Thomas (Linton), 52352045 C2 — 03 „ /. **soß H. T. 800n* (Suburbs). 5044302350—26 508 C Dunstan (Kaeo), 0550232025—25 ... 507 J. Scott( Petone), 3242025022—22 507 S. Blliott (Auckland), 0003450023—17 506 F. McDonald ('Suburbs), 0333420042 2i 505 , A. R. Barker (Tinkwater), 0400303000 —lO 505 A. S. Henderson (Wellington), 01302 20555—22 a 94 A. Harris (Suburbs), 233040C033 —-15... 503 F p \y. AVarburton (Petone), 00400033 —lB r,o ° J. IT. Manssen (Nelson), 0020032254 18— 499 H. C. Loveday (Hawera),. 0030000352 F. W. C’bing (Wellington), 4900002205 R„ C. Ba rklo " (Peto n e), ' 4300200000 —9 199 W. H. Franklin (Dunnevirke). 3001 CO 3300—13 4 -’ 8 J. C. Cow (Karori). 3000300094—10 ... 495 L. G. Irtiveday (Linlonl, 0300000420—9 493 F. Kennedy (Frankton). absent IS3 S. H. Stacpoole (Napier). 000000000 o—o 4,9

GRAND AGGREGATE. K. A. Ballinger (i’elone) 5-3 D. McLeay (‘te Kuiti.' 8.2 INTER-ISLAND MATCH. oeven Snots each at 300, OGU and 600 yard ranges.

Totals TEAMS MATCH. The following is the complete list of aggregates obtained in the teams’ competition of the district shield in order of merit: —Suburbs A 462, Petone A 449, Kaiapoi 441,, Karori 437, Blenheim 437, Dannevirke 435, Hawera A 435, Suburbs B 434, Franklin 432, Linton 430, 13th (Nelson) Regiment 424, Okarana 424, Opaki No. 1 423, Waihi 423, Upper Hutt 423, Napier 419, Wanganui 419. Nelson 419, Kiwi 416, Christchurch A 444, Westport 407, Linton B 407, Petone B 404, Hamilt6n High School 400, 13,I 3 , and T. Engineers 399, Dunedin 398, Te Kuiti 398. Opaki No. 2 396, Old Navals 396, Oamara 392, Waipukurau 386, Hawera B 383, Christchurch B 381.

SOUTH ISLAND aoo TEAM. 500 600 yds yds yds Tl. H. L. Frank 32 31 97 A. J. Green 33 34 tfo J. Bryden 31 30 91 J. Gillick ... .. 29 33 31 93 \V. N. Masefield ... .. 32 34 31 97 H. Glynn 32 28 92 VV. Jd.cJver 32 84 95 H. Harris 31 27 90 R. Hiper 33 29 91 L'. T. Sandford ... .. 39 31 29 W. 15. Jones 32 23 91 It. Mclntosli .. 28 26. 28 82 H. Reynolds .. 31 33 29 93 VV. J. Henry .. 31 27 2 1 85 VV. H. West .. 31 32 27 90 VV. J. Milroy .. 30 32 30 92 H. G. Day 32 32 9G A. J. Henderson .. 31 30 29 so A. R. Barker .. 29 29 27 S5 J. II. Manssen .. 29 30 34 93 Totals .. 611 625 595 1831 NORTH ISLAND TEAM. I). J. Guiney 32 28 93 R, C. Barkle 30 23 82 J C. Carter 30 35 96 15. A, Ballinger ... .. 32 30 32 94 H. V. Croxton .. 32 32 33 97 W. K. Williams ... .. 33 35 32 100 A- Dixon .. 28 30 25 83 S. Elliott 28 30 88 H. Siinmonds .. 31 30 29 €0 H. Lovcday 31 32 92 F, Bolton .. 32 31 30 96 K. J. King .. 28 32 30 90 H. Alawlev 22 29 91 E. E. Vennell .. 31 32 25 88 H. Donald .. 31 30 26 37 F. W. Ching .. 30 32 28 90 H. Hunt .. 29 29 31 89 L Loveday .. 28 32 29 89 F. H. James .. 28 32 29 89 A. Nielson .. 32 34 39 95