N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11783, 20 March 1924, Page 9

N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION

AN AMUSING INCIDENT. CAPTAIN COLLINS TO THE RESCUE. Rather an amusing incident took place at Hillsborough 30 years ago (March 1894) in connection with the firing of the first shot. Major Sommerville had taken exceptional precautions, and after carefully sighting up the weapon, which was directed at No. 13 target, was prepared to stake his bottom dollar that, if not an actual bulkeye scored, it would be so close as to make no difference. Every eye was turned on Miss Gapes, a rather prepossessing young lady, not yet out of her teens. As she stepped up rather timidly to pull the ribbon attached to the trigger Major Sommerville's la6t instructions were not to jerk the weapon, and I don't think she did. With the despatch of the shot all eyes were rivetted on No. 13 target, and as second after second passed witnout a sign of the welcome disc appearing, a look of dismay passed over the gallant major's face. All were nearly tired of watching when the appearance of the spotting disc was announced on No. 8 target, registering a shot just to the right of the bullseye, and of beautiful elevation. A general titter passed along the line, and a southern pressman boldly drew the major's attention to what was apparently "a terrible bloomer"— "to aim at No. 13 target and hit No. 8." The major would not have it, and still looked almost despairingly at No. 13, which still showed a clean target. At last & welcome disc denoting a bull's eye appeared, and the major's heart was gladdened, and Miss Gapes received the congratulations of her friends. The cream of the thing was that Captain Collins (now Colonel Collins, president N.R.A.), the popular commander of the Wellington City Rifles taking inxthe situation at once, whipped round the crowd, and, calling to his assistance Sergat.-Major Brans, his dutiful henchman, who is fleet of foot, instructed him to run for bare life to the telephone and tell the "confounded marker" at No. 13 to wake up and hoist the coveted honour. The summons was obeyed, and the reputation of the Rifle Association proceeded merrily. I he affair created no end of fun in camp, r, i 18 i, a « c< X n< E d€ ? , ? e that Captain (now Colonet) E. R Smith, who was the champion in 1894, is present at the 1924 meeting.