THE DOMINION’S BISLEY

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11784, 21 March 1924, Page 7

THE DOMINION’S BISLEY

F. H. JAMES WINS GARSiNE GUP FURTHER EXCELLENT SHOOTING REPORTED SQUAD ESTABLISHES AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. RECORD “Times” Special Reporter. IRENTHAM MILITARY CAMP, March 20. ' Another good day's shooting was recorded at Trentham to-day (Thursday), and excellent progress is being made in connection with the National Rifle Association’s meeting. The matches concluded included the Wellington and Auckland events, also the Returned Soldiers teams match, while the first practice in connection with the Dominion match was also started. The latter event will be concluded to-morrow (Friday). Two extra matches were also placed on the programme. The weather so far has indeed been satisfactory, although there were one or two small showers of rain to-day. They drifted across the valley, however, and by no means interfered with the firing! In the main the day was dull, overcast, and, at times, inclined to be threatening more rain than what actually fell. The wind was tricky, and at different periods of the day occasioned the marksmen not a little difficulty. A splendid performance was put up in the first practice, of the Dominion match by Rifleman D. J. Anderson, who obtained the possible (7 5)- What is believed to be an Australian and New Zealand board record was also recorded in the 500 yards of the Wellington match. Out of a team of five men, selected at random, four 50’s and one 41 resulted. If the last man had emulated the example of his team colleagues, this would probably have meant a world’s record. A most unique and decidedly interesting record, as it is, was obtained. Such an event, it need hardly be remarked, has never before been known at Trentham. Another interesting event was the completion of the Carbine Cup contest, which was decided on the Trentham aggregate results, the winner proving to be Rifleman James, of Napier, who headed the grand aggregate for the previous day.

DETAILS OFJTHE SHOOTING RECORD ESTABLISHED IN WELLINGTON MATCH. The first match of the morning -was the Wellington event, at 500 and 600 yards, the last of -the short ranges. The shootin g was ofan exceedingly high order. A record board was established; at 500 for Australia and New Zealand. It marked the calibre of the shooting and speaks for itself. The hoard in this instance read:— McPherson (Tapanni) 5555555555 50 Tobin (Whangarei) 6555555555 50 Boon {Karori) 6555655555 50 West (Okawa) 5555555555 50 Higgs (New Plymouth) 6633454525 41 What makes this extraordinary score all the more remarkable, is that the equads are selected entirely by chance. In this ease all the competitors could not be classed amon& die cracks of the meeting, although, the majority, were of course, very good shots. The conditions after the first man had fired were decidedly tricky. Pish tails, almost without exception, in the later part of the morning, were the rule. The wind on the whole, was much stronger than on the previous day. Just before lunch a slight rain storm also swept across Trentham, coming from the direction of the Rimutakas. For a few minutes it fell solidly. The rain passed over, however, though it threatened again on more than one occasion. The day was ’dull and cloudy. Conditions were much the same throughout. WIN FOR W. H. WEST. In the “A” grade division of the Wellington match, Rifleman W. H. West, of the Okawa Club was first with 98 out of the possible 100. A Tima:™ representative, Rifleman C. J. Blackwood," was second with 95, the same total also being compiled by Rifleman R. O. Barkle, of Akarana, who also took the gold medal in connection with the Returned Soldiers’ match (his total in the latter was also 95). Among the 94’s were W. H. Ballinger, Petoue, O. J. Nix, from the Wairarapa, F. H. James, of Napier (the previous day’s leader in the grand aggregate). T. Orr (Greytown), and Howard Feast made 93. Hie latter is a young Wairarapa, shot of considerable promise who dad very well at the late Greytown meeting. He is now a member of the Petone Club. Rifleman H. Head, of Waitara, was at the top of the “B” list with a total of 93. Rifleman J. Kyle, of Linton, T. A. Marrett, of New Plymouth, J. McKay, of Greymouth, and F. W. Cox, of Linton, with 91 each took £l. Rifleman E. P. Bailey, of Kimbolton, returned the best score for the tyros with 91, with A. B. Balfour, of Greytown, second, with the same total. Some thirteen other tyros took £1 each. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ MATCH.

Some eight teams entered for the returned soldiers’ special teams match. The winning team proved to be that from the machine gun regiment with 446 points. The No. 1 team of the Wellington Regiment were second with one point less, and the Canterbury Regiment, third, with 441. The competitors included a team of South African war veterans, at the head of which was Major G. S. Taylor, M.C.. with Captain J. (Ross, Lieutenant H. H. Donald, and Troopers W. E. McKeich, and H. Koppert. THE CARBINE CUP. The Carbine Cup is awarded to the highest scorer in the Trentham aggregate, and the winner on this occasion proved to be Rifleman James, of Napier, who had steadily piled up 3iis score throughout the meeting, until he finally headed the aggregate. His total was 436. Rifleman W. H. James, of Okawa, was second with 429, and Rifleman H. V. Oroxton, of Karori, was third, with 423. The fourth man on the list was Rifleman G. L. Evans, of Christchurch, with 421. THE DOMINION MATCH. A possible was obtained in the Dominion match, the first practice of which was completed to-day, the fortunate marksman being Rifleman D. J. Anderson, of Kaituna, .who put up a splendid performance in this connection. The match is not yet completed, the final practice having to take place tomorrow. Next on the list is Lieutenant George Hood, of Masfcerton, who is meetiugf with muoh more success than at the recent Army meeting, where he

was also a competitor. His present total is 71 out of a possible 75. Rifleman J. Kyle, of the Linton dub, has compiled the same score in this event, while 70 stands to the names of Riflemen O. J. Nix (Featherston) and H. R. Hunt (Suburbs). The completion or the Dominion match will be one of the first events on Friday. This event does not count for the Belt. WIN OUTRIGHT. As this is the second year that the Wanganui team have won the Sir John Logan Campbell Shield for the teams service match it will now be re tained by them. The shield was donated by Sir John Logan Campbell in 1909. TO-DAY’S MATCHES. A start will be made at 8 o’clock this (Friday) morning with the Hawke’s Bay match, the Dominion matoh will also be concluded as soon as possible. At 11 a.m. a commencement .will be made with the Taranaki match, and at 1.30 p.m. the champion teams match will be commenced. An extra match will be provided if desired. The championship matches from now on are at the long distance ranges. THE ISLINGTON CUP. The Islingtoh Cup for the tile competition was won by the Akaroa Rifle CSub No. 1 team with 60 points. The runners-up were the Kaiapod dub, the Karori No. 1 team, and the Wanganui Club, each with 55. A "MAORI CONCERT. The visitors were entertained last evening at the Salvation Army Institute at a concert given by a party of Papawai natives and others. Major MaDin, the entertainment officer, was in charge, and the gathering was both unique and capably carried out. The natives were cordially thanked for their services, and the concert voted a decided success. A radio concert, when the visitors will havp an opportunity of “listeningin,” will be given this evening. The YiM.C.A. billiard rooms and oheery fires are continuing to attract good attendances in the evening. Secretory | F. E. Chappell has also arranged fori a picture entertainment each evening. I The entertainment of the visiting rifle I men is by no means neglected.

VIBIT OF INSPECTION BY DEFENCE MINISTER. VISITORS FOR THE PRIZE-GIVING. The Bon. Sir Heaton Rhodes, Minister for Defence, paid a visit of inspec tion during the course of the day, and expressed himself as very pleased with the arrangements for the meeting. The Minister went as far as the butts ,and was also on the ranges for a time. Sir Helton Rhodes signified his intention of being present at the official presentation of prizes and awards, which will take place on Saturday afternoon. The ceremony will he performed by Lady Rhodes. The city members of Parliament, including the Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright, M.P.), Sir John Luke, M.P V who is one of the National Rifle Association’s vice-presidents, also Messrs G. R. Sykes (Masterton), A. D. McLeod (Wairarapa), and J. A. Nash (Palmerston), M.P.’s, have all been invited to be Present. It is understood that Major-General Sir Edward Ohaytor, late - General 1 Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces, and Colonel Melville (the newly appointed G.0.C.), will also be present. The old custom o{ chairing the Kirtg’s Prizeman will also bo carried out. THE RESULTS Thursday’s results werei— No. 4—WELLINGTON MATCH. (500yds and 600yds; ten shots at each distance). A Grade. A5—W. H. West (Okawa) 99 JB4—Q. A. Blackwood (Timaru) 05 A3—R. C. Barkle (Akarana) 95 £2 —W. H. Ballinger (Petone) 94, C. J. Nix (Featherston) 94. -81—F H. James (Napier) 94, H. It. Hunt (Suburbs) 94, H. Harris (Christchurch) 94, C. Whiteman (Upper Hutt) 94, T. Orr (Greytown) 93, Howard Fenst (Petone) 93, G. L. Evans (Christchurch) 93, John McCallum (East Coast) 93, K. Waddington (Methven) 92, G. L. Loveday (Linton) 92, F. Needham (Linton) 92, A. W. Melvor (Petone) 92, L. S. Hare (Wellington) 92, B. R. Bunny (Opaki) 92, Captain F. Bolton (Opaki) 92, G. Ptersen (Renwiek) 92. F. Whiteman (Upper Hutt) 02, H. Hughes (Wanganui) 91, H. C. Evans (Te Kuiti) 91, B. J. Gillick (Kiwi) 01, S. Marenzi (Eketahuna) 91, A. Neilson (Napier) 91, R. H. Nicholl (Petone) 91. Counted out—A. H. Guy, H. T. Boon, H. V. Croxton, D. J. Anderson, W. K. Williams, J. G. Ashley, W. Duncan, W.

J. Swaysland, J. W. Paynter, H. R. Koane, *R. Piper and R, J. King. B Grade. •82 —H. Head (Waitara) 93 £l—J. Kvle (Linton) 91 £l—T. A. Marrett (New Plymouth) ... 91 £l—J. McKay (Greymouth) 91 £l— F. W. Cox (Linton) 91 10s—J. Paterson (Wanganui) 90, A. Allison (Te Kuiti) 90, G. E. Pearson (DargaviUe) 90, P. Yates (Napier) 90, P. J. Tobin (Whangarei) 90, A. G. Robertson (Haweva), 89, F. «T, Standidge (Old Navals) 89, C. J. Hollard (Opotiki) 89, T. "Whiteman (Upper Hutt) S 9, L. R. McKelvio (Rangitikci) 88. Counted out—S. F. McLean, J. B. Bair6tow, J. E. McLachlan, C. H. Baker, and A. W. McPherson. Tyros. £l-~E. P. Bailey (KimboltoD) 81, A. D. Balfour (Greytown) 91, Iv. G. Varlow (Karori) 89, C. Corkill (Waipukurau) 89, L. C. Harrison. (Hawera) 89, P. W. Evans (Christchurch) 89, J. Bills (Christchurch) 88, J. Walters (Mawheraiti) 88, O. P. George (New Plymouth) BS, M. Lawson (Paten) 88, P. Robertson (Christchurch) 87, K. Cromie (Rakaia) 87. B. Holmes (Wanganui) 87, G. Te Whaiti (Wairarapa) €6, W. McLain (Old Navals) 86. Counted out—D. Calder and H. R. Boyce. RETURNED SOLDIERS MATCH. <sooyds and 6Qoyd6). Machine Gun Regiment (Privates G. Hood, D. Garner, L. Pask, W. Hughes, R. Barkle) 446 No. 1 Team Wellington Regiment (Capt. Simmonds, M.C., Capt. A. Butler, Sergt. L. Loveday, M.M., Sergt. G. Eyles, Pie T. Orr) 445 Canterbury Regiment (Sergt. I». A Caldwell, Privates R. Piper, G. Petersen, E. C. Bussell* J. Walters) 441 No. 3 Team Rifle Brigade (Capt. W. Masefield, Lieut. P. J. Soler, Lieut. H. T. Marshall, M.C., Kflmn. R, H. Nicholl, W. J. Green) «... 439

TRENTHAM ACCRECATE THE CARBINE CUP. WON BY F. H. JAMES, OF NAPIER. Tbo Carbine Cup, one of the most coveted cups at the meeting, was won by Rifleman F. H. James, of Napier, who has fired so consistently throughout the present gathering. He also won the B.S.A. rifle and the sum of £5. Tho results in the Trentham Aggregate are: -65—F. H. James (Napier) 436 <64 — W. H. Wert (Okawa) 429 -63 —H V. Croxton (Karori) 423 -63—G. L. Evans (Christchurch) 421 The following took £1 —S. Elliott (Akarana) 420, H. T. Boon (Karori) 420, Captain H. Simmonds (Wanganui) 420, H. Harris (Christchurch) ,410, President W. H. Ballinger (Petone) 418, C. J. Nix (Featherston) 418, J. A. Blackwood (Timaru) 417, M. C. Connor (Okawa) 416, R. E. Hester (Suburbs) 416, H. R. Hunt (Suburbs) 416, R. J. Gillick (Kiwi) 415, T. Orr (Greytown) 414, Dep.-President R. J. King (Opaki) 414, R. C. Barkle (Akarana) 412, H. Reynolds (Christchurch) 412, L. A. Caldwell (Karori) 411, F. J. Soler (Wanganui) 411, Lieut. W. Duncan (Westport) 411, A. R. Barker (Linkwater) 411, Howard Feast (Petone) 411, C. Corkill (Waipukurau) 411, H. A. Crombie (Ashburton) 410, W. Melvor (Petone) 410, Captain A. Neilson (Napier) 409, J. C. Carter (Linton) 409. W. S. Mills (Kiwi) 408, W. J. Green (Okawa) 408, G. E. Pearson (Dargaville) 407, President G. K. Ashley (Akarana) 407, D. J. Anderson (Kaituna) 407, Dep.-President W. K. Wil.toms (Ohura) 407, W. J. Feast, junr. (greytown) 407. DOMINION MATCH. First practice, 600 yards 1 event does not count for the belt). The loading -cores are:— D. J. And-j-.son (Kaituna) 75 Lieut. George Hood (Opaki) 71 J. Kyle (Ifinton) 74 C. J. Nix (Featherston) 70 H. B. Hunt (Suburbs) 70 W. Dollar (Upper Hutt) 69. E. J. Roston (Akarana) 60, W. J, Green (Okawa) 88, R. Piper (Christchurch) 68, D. F. Keir \Ashburton) 68, J. A. Blaokwood (Timaru) 68, Captain F. Bolton (Opaki) 68, if. H. Mar.-ley (Opaki) 67, Lieut. W. Duncan (Westport) 67, H. T. Boon (Karori) 66, S. R. Smith (Hawera) 66. H. R. Keane (Omana) 66, G. Te Whaiti (Wairarapa) 66. G. S. Taylor (Karori) 68, H. H. Donald (Opaki) 66, T. A. Marrett (New Plymouth) 35. _W. H. West (Okawa) 65, P. Goldfinloh (Old Navals) 65, W. H. Thomas (Linton) 65, B. H. Nioholl (Petone) 65. THE OTAGO MATCH, 800 and 900 <*rds. A Grade. £s—Oapt. H. Simmonds (Wanganui) 91 -84 —R. Caughley (Karori) 90 -83—D. Roots (Patea) 89 -82—E. S. King (Wanganui) 88 -e2-R. J. GiUfok 88 -61—P. B. Goldfinch (Old Navals) 87, H. R. Hunt (Suburbs) 87, H. H. Mawley (Opaki) 86, Captain Neilson (Napier) 86, A. K. Scholes (Upper Hutt), W. N. Muse, field (Kekerangu) 86, B. J. King (Opaki) 85, W. a Mills 84, F. A. B. Ifigpefi 83, H. Feast (Petone) 83, E. T. Haldane (Waipukurau) 83. H. T. Boon (Karori) 82, M. C. Connor (Okawa) 82, B. T, Sandford (Christchurch) 82, B. H. Ballinger (Petone) 82, J. Burnett (Tapanui) 81, A. Blackwood (Timaru) 81. C. Corkill (Waipukurau) 81, H. B. Keene (Omana) 81, R. Piner 81. R. H. Nioholl (Petone) 81) P..J. Nicholls (Greytown) 81, F. W. Cox (Inn ton) 81.

B Grade. £Z —President A. Kyle (Linton) Bft £1 —D. Boot (Gisborne) 79 £l-^ G. H. Doran (Oamaru) 79, B. Sneddon 78, L. C. Russell (Stoke) 77, !\ C. Standidge (Old NavaJs) 77, W. K. OsJ® 1 ™ .j/» Q*. S. Cross (Hawera) 76, N. W. Wilkie (Upper Hutt) 76. C. J. Karlson (Dargaville) 75, H. Head (Kaitaia) W - . J. Feast, jnr. (Greyfcown) 75, G. E. Pearson (Dargaville) 75, 'G. S. Taylor (KaTori) 75, J. E. McEacblan (Frankton) 75, Rifleman B. S. Brogan, of To Kuiti, headed the list of tyros with 80, and took JB2. LEADING TWENTY FIVE

MINISTER VISITS RANGE WELT, SATISFIED WITH RESULTS. Sir R. IJeaton Rhodes (Minister for Defence) paid a visit to the Trentham rifle range yesterday morning. Speaking afterwards to a “Times” reporter, the Minister said that ho was pleased that the weather conditions for the present competitions were so satisfactory, so different from the weather experienced by those who attended the Army rifle meeting. He found, however, that while a few possibles had been made by the riflemen, on the Whole the average was not high. Ho was glad to find quite a number of young shots, and that among those who made the possible at 600 yards was a young fellow who had 1 only taken up rifle shooting within the last four years. All tba in good haa*i* /a***

to be enjoying the competitions. He had visited the butte, and' found the markers carrying out their duties efficiently. The Maoris there, in charge of the same officer as last year, were giving every satisfaction equally with the European marksmen. “T was informed,” added, the Minister, ‘‘that at the early stages the shooting was good but at 600 yards it was not up to the average. At tho first scoring boardi I looked at, however, I found that the young marksman already referred to had put on 1£ f’xmsiQQaitiva bulla at ranjzg.”

H. Simmonds (Wan«anul) 413 F. H. Jaixuts (Napier) 407 It. J. Gillick (Kurow) 407 J. A. Blackwood (Tirrmru) • 407 H. K. Hunt (Suburbs) 400 H T. Boon (Karon) 400 A. Nielson (Napier) mB. .1. Kins' (Opaki) 403 H. Feast fGi’evtown) 402 W. ,H. West (Blenheim) 402 C. Corkill (Waipukurau) I...., 401 M. C. Connor (Okawa) 401 H. V. Croxton (Karori) 400 D. Bootn (Patea) 400 E. 8. King (Wanganui) 398 W. H. Masefield (Kekerangu) 390 (r. Jy. invars, Christchurch) 394 H. H. Mawley (Opaki) 894 A. P. Barker (Linkwater) m G. G. Ashley (Akarana) 393 W. Mclver (Petone) 393 R. E. Hester (Sxiburbs) 393 ,T. Smart jma P. C. Barlcle ((Akarnno) 303 P. J. Nicholls (Grevtown) * 393 ft. H. Nicholl (Petone) 392