THE KING’S PRIZEMAN

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11786, 24 March 1924, Page 9

THE KING’S PRIZEMAN

GAPT. SIMMONDS, M.C., OF WANGANUI, WINS CAPTAIN NEILSEN. OF NAPIER, RUNNER-UP PERFECT WEATHER FOR BIG EVENT CONCLUSION OF NEW ZEALAND’S BISLEY . (“N.Z. Times” Special Representative.) MILITARY CAMP, TRENTHAM, Saturday, March 22. New Zealand’s Bisley was concluded this afternoon with the firing for the King’s Prize. The winner proved to be Captain H. Simmonds, M.C., of Wanganui, who also carried off the Service championship earlier in the meeting. His win was a popular one, particularly from the point of view of the military authorities, in view of the fact that he is a crack service shot as well. The champion’s total was 537, only two points ahead of that recorded by Captain A. Nielsen, of Napier, the runner-up. Rifleman Howard Feast, from the Wairarapa, the brilliant young Greytown shot, who is only twenty-one years of age, was third with 521. Two ex-champions, Rifleman D. Roots, of Patea, and Captain W. H. Masefield, of Kekerangu, were fourth and fifth respectively with 521 and 520. Last year’s winner, Rifleman Leslie Loveday, 'occupied on this occasion forty-fifth position on the list with a score of 496. \ The weather was brilliantly fine, with warm, bright sunshine. The wind for the final occasioned really very little difficulty. Conditions were practically ideal for Trentham, where the range is by no means a perfect one, generally on account of wind. The firing of the final fifty drew a large attendance cf spectators. Captain Simmonds’s win was not unexpected. It was realised that the decision would rest between Captain Nielsen and himself, though the supporters of Howard Feast were convinced that he had a good chance. The latter, however, probably through nervousness, did not fire with his previous consistency. His last score was 31 as against Captain Nielsen’s 42 and the champion’s TO-

IN SMILING MOOD THE EVENTFUL DECISION O. WHITEMAN’ S SPLENDID SCORE. Brilliant sunshine and practically ideal conditions were vouchsafed for the concluding day, and the final struggle for the Belt. The rain clouds had gathered very menacingly the previous night, and not a few were un- ; der the impression that the rain, which ! had very fortunately held off almost I throughout the week, would make its appearance and cause an unpleasant close to the meeting. The pessimists, however, were doomed to disappointment. Saturday was easily the best day of the week. The brilliant sunshine tempted not a few visitors to make the trip up the beautiful Hutt Valley from the city. Trentham was in a smiling, happy' mood, looking at its very best in honour of the great occasion. Seldom, indeed, has a closing; day of the rifle meeting been more enjoyable from a weather point of view than the last day of the 1924 meeting. There was an excellent attendance on the range to witness the decision of the King’s Prizeman. The distances consisted of 900, with ten shots. The event was fired in two sections. The lowest twenty-five in the King’s Fifty fired first. The best score during the match was that of O. Whiteman, of Upper Hutt, who returned 47. It was made up with—4455456666—47. When this was made known Rifleman Whiteman was heartily cheered. The wind for Trentham was particularly steady, especially for the first twenty-five men. It freshened a little, however, shortly afterwards, but this was of no great consequence. It is interesting to note that neither Simmondb, Nielsen, or Feast found the target with their first. The champion’s soopee were—3445325446 —39. Captain Nielsen’s card read—6465444443—42, and that of Howard Fea5t—2046332345 —3l.

Owe of the first to congratulate the winner was Sir Heaton Rhodes, Minister for Defence. Sir John Luke, M.P., Mr W. H. Field, M.P., the president (Cbl. Collins), 001. Avery, Col. Burgees, 001. Fowled, and many otherß, also ♦tendere*! their congratulations. Captain Simmonds was also presented to Lady Rhodes, who had been an interested spectator of the final shoot. THE KING’S PRIZE DETAILED SCCKES. The scores in the final fifty were 1. The Ballinger Rifle Champion Belt, N.R.A. gold medal and gold badge, also .£30 —Captain H. Simmonds (Wanganui), 8445325445—89—537. 2. N.R.A. Silver Star and Badge, also £15 —Captain A. Nielsen (Napier), 545 • r )444,V-42—535. 3. N.R.A. Silver Star and Badge, also £10 —IT. Feast (Greyt0wn)—2045332345 -31-521. 4. N.lt.Ai Silver Star and Badge, also £7—D. Roots (Patea), 0332455545—36 521. 5. N.R.A. Badge and £3—President W. H. Masefield (East Coast), 41545435236. N.R.A. Badge and £3—W. H. West (Okawa), 5203445,542 —34—518. 7. N.R.A. Badge and £3—P. 3. Nichoils (Greytown), 5355345454—43—515. 8. N.R.A. Badge and £3—E. H. Uicholl (Petone), 5433345553—40—516. 9. N.R.A. Badge and £3--H. R. Hunt (Suburbs), 2025534353—32—515. 10. N.R.A. Badge and £3—R. E. Hester (Suburbs). 0043544448—31—515. The following took the N.R.A. badge and £l: 11. J. A. Blackwood (Timaru). 29—515. 12. H. Loveday (Ohura), 37—514. 13. H. T. Boon (Karori), 50—514. 14. E. F. Sandforfl (Christchurch), 42 511. 15. W. J. Green (Okawa). 40—511. 16. M. C. Connor (Okawa), 43 —510. 17. H. H. Mawley (Opaki), 44—509. 18. Dpt*.-President R, J. King (Opaki), 36 5Qg 19. R. J.’ Gillick (Kiwi), 36—509. 20. E. S. King (Wanganui), 36—508. 21. .T, Smart (Suburbs), 35—508. 22. E. A. Ballinger (Petone), 42 —507. 28. R. C. Barkle (Akarana), 40 —507. 24. C. Whiteman (Upper Hutt), 47—506. 25. A. R. Barker (Linkwater), 31—506. 26. Lieut. W. Duncan (Westport), 34 —505. 27. TV. Mclver (Petone). 33 —503. 28. D. 3. Andersop (Knit-unal. 44—503. 29. iTTee-President 3, Kylo (Linton), 88 — 503. 30. F. IT. James (Narvier), 20—503. 81. H. V: Croxton (Karori), 19—503. 82. J. F. Thompson (Greytown), 86—502.

33. P. B. Goldfinch (Old Navals), 36—502. 34. O. G. ‘Ashley (Akarana), 35—501. 35. B. Foist (Cambridge), 41—500. j 36. Captain F. Bolton (Opaki), 40—500. 37. G. X*. Evans (Christchurch), 39—500. 88. G. H. Cross (Hawera), 37 —499. 89. R. Piper (Christchurch), 37—499. 40. C. Corkhill (Waipuknrau), 30—498. The others were:— 41. T. "Warburton (Petone), 37—497. • 42. President W. H. Ballinger (Petone), 81 —497. 43. C. J. Nix (Featlierston), 86—497. 44. F. J. Soler (Wanganui), 23—497. 45. L. G. Loveday (Linton). 30—496. 46. H. Reynolds (Christchurch), 28—495. 47. W. S. 31111 s (Kiwi), 19 —490. 48. C. Ashley (Auckland), 18—487. 49. P. Palmer (Patea), 462. 50. Ti. H. ICeene (Omana), 459. THE NEWJCHAMPION CAPTAIN H. SIMMONDS A FORMER ARMY SNIPER. Throughout the meeting Captain Simmonds shot with marked consistency. No rifleman will begrudge him his great success. He bore his honours on Saturday with modesty. The new King’s Prizeman is the first Wanganui representative to win the coveted Ballinger Belt since 1891, when Private C. Kruse, of the Wainganiui Rifles, was the winner. Other Wanganui marksmen who have won the belt include Lieutenant Owen, the champion of 1863, Brivato W. Churton (1884), and Sergeant Remington (1886). Captain Simmonds, who is as yet quite a young man, was runner-up for the belt in 1914. During the war he established a reoord as a sniper, and was detailed for special duty m that connection. He is undoubtedly a very fine shot. The new champion first commenced shooting in 1909, and came to Trentham two years later. He was rewarded with much success in 1914, when he was runner-up to Captain Masefield, who on this occasion was fifth on the list. Captain .Simmonds saw some four years’ war service. At the Wellington Association’s meeting before that he carried off the North Island championship, and also won the MicU fieldi aggregate. He left New Zealand with the 11th Reinforcement, and was transferred in France to the 2nd Wellington Battalion as chief sniping officer. After eighteen months there, he was appointed adjutant to his battalion. On his return to Sling he took a New Zealand army team to Bisley. For the three years past he has been champion of the Wanganui Club, and has been doing a good deal of shooting generally since his return from abroad. He was decorated with the Military Cross for his war services. Captain Nielsen is a member of the Napier Club, and has been a competitor at Trentham for a good many years past. He is a steady and reliable shot, whose win would have been a very popular one with his comrades. Rifleman Howard Feast, third on the list for the 1924 King’s Prize, is a capable young Wairarapa shot, the son of Mr W. J. Feast, of Greytown, who was for many years a member of the historic Opaki Club. This was the first time for many yeaTs that Mr Feast himself was not included in the King’s Fifty. Howard Feast’s performance was a highly meritorious one. More Will he heard of him in the future. THE PRIZE-GIVING THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS AT HIS FORTY-FIFTH MEETING The prize-giving ceremony took place directly after the King’s Prizemanslup had been deoided. Colonel Hughes presided at the ceremony, which was performed by Lady Rhodes, the wife of the Defence Minister. Addresses were given by the Hon. Sir Heaton Rhodes, Colonel Collins (president of the National Rifle Association of New Zealand), and Mr T. M. Wilford, M.P., leader of the Opposition. Apologies for non-attendance were received from the Mayor of Wellington (Mr R. A. Wright, M.P.), and Messrs H. E. Holland, A. L. Monteith, and R. McKeen. M.P.’s. Colonel CoMins, who was received with applause, related how this was the forty-saxtli meeting at which he had been present. “And I hope to be hero also next year,” declared the president, who regretted the absence of the association’s patron, His Excellency Lord

The president also made some comment regarding the controversy concerning the long versus Bhort rifle question, another matter that had somewhat agitated the annual meeting. The long rifle, after long use at Bisley, he remarked, had • now been discarded. The National Rifle Association in England had taken up the short rifle. The time must undoubtedly also come when New Zealand would have to give way to the short rifle, with which the Defence Foroes were armed, Were not the rifle clubs, he asked, also a part cf tihe defences of this country? Both the' Defence Forces and the rifle clubs should he armed not only with the same rifles, but use the same ammunition . All the promising shots of the present meeting had been brought up under the rifle dubs, and members were always willing to coach and assist territorials and cadets. (Hear, hear.) Colonel Collins concluded by heartily congratulating Captain Simmonds and the other successful marksmen of the gathering of 1924. THE MINISTER’S OONGRATULA- • TOONS. Congratulations to the winners werealso tendered by the Hon. Sir Heaton Rhodes, who was pleased to learn that the weather had been much better than that experience at the army meeting. (Laughter.) The Government, he declared would do all possible to further rifle ’shooting. “I would like to give you a great deal more,” said the Minister, “but 1 would also like to give the territorials and cadets a great deal more. The defence* vote had been out down to the minimum I am able to carry on with. I hope, however, when the finances of this country are in a more buoyant condition there will be more money for cadete and territorials and rifle clubs.” (Applause.) The Minister hoped that they would all soon shoot with the same rifle under the same conditions. As Minister for Defence he had been particularly interested in the service matches, which he naturally considered the most serious and important of the meeting. He would like to see more of them. Concerning the question of amalgamation with the army meeting, if the association decided to do so, he would gladly welcome them to the one meeting, but if they maintained their present status, that was for them to say. “But if you Bhould decide upon the other,” added Sir Heaton Rhodes, “I can only say that I will be very glad to welcome you.” The meeting had been a most successful, one, and he congratulated Colonel Collins, Colonel Hughes, Colonel Cresswell, and their officers on the smooth .manner in which it had been conducted. The Minister' recalled the fact that in 1914, in the absence of Colonel Allen, who was then in England, he had presented the belt to the winner, the runner up had been Captain Simmonds, the 1924 champion. He was now at the top of the tree. (Applause.) “He is still a young man and there is no reason why he should not emulate Mir Ballinger and win it again,” he concluded. ‘.‘Wo want to see young shots come on, and we will not grudge it to him if Captain Simmonds wins it again.” (Applause.) Captain Simmonds was then invested 1 with the belt and medals by Lady Rhodes, who heartily congratulated him, also the other recipients of awards, on their success. The King’s Prizeman was also chaired in the time honoured custom, his supporters being members of the Wanganui team. He was heartily cheered by the competitors.

Jellicoe, whose engagements had kept the Governor-General in the South' Island. A weloome was extended to Sir Heaton and Lady Rhodes, the visitors, and all who had participated at the meeting. Referring to the Minister, Colonel Collins said Sir Heaton Rhodes had always taken a kindly interest in the association, apd had assisted them to the best of his ability. He had always returned a courteous reply to their requests, even if he had not seen his way to grant them all at times. (Laughter.) If he could do more for them the speaker believed the Minister would do it. The Prime Minister, however, was in charge of the finances of the country, and there were many other demands upon him. The association had not been able to get all tbe assistance they had required in consequence. NOT MISSED A MEETING. Colonel Collins recalled the fact that he had not missed a meeting for the past 45 years. He thought it hie duty to come on this occasion. He wished also to thank all the many friends who had sent sympathetic messages in connection with his illness. It was indeed gratifying to him to see in the list of competitors many old friends, including Colonel Smith, Mr W. H. Ballinger, and Mr Doughty, of Auckland, all of whom had been prominent shots in former years. Mr Doughty had won the Belt the first time the meeting had been held at Trentham. “Shooting men come to this meeting with great hopes,” said Colonel 00l lins. “Some of them are of course doomed to disappointment, but success and failure are the real meaning of sport. The meeting had been a successful one. At the start there was some yery good shooting indeed, and the very highest standard was maintained, though later in the meeting the tricky Trentham wind caused somewhat of a break-up. The meeting has been carried through expeditiously and without any delay, and this has been due to Colonel Hughes and his efficient officers. The range officers have also been largely responsible for the success of the meeting, also Captain Felton and his statistical officers.” MORE ENTRIES’ REQUIRED. “The entries, I am sorry to say, have not been altogether satisfactory,” he continued. “Many young men have been prevented from coming here by the expense. Members have not taken sufficient interest in this matter themselves. As I pointed out in my message to the competitors at the commencement of this meeting, the expenses must automatically go down if they increase the membership. We want to see long if not large prize-lists. Put your slit-uldors to the wheel, and make the association a success. Propaganda Is necessary; this can only be attained by organisation. I hope that the next meeting will also he a success numerically." Reference was made by the Colonel in passing to the question of amalgamation with the New Zealand Army meeting, a matter that had been discussed at the annual meeting, at which ho had been unable to he present. The speaker was decidedly against the proposal. They were working on entirely different lanes. He believed that the proposal was impracticable. With them it was a sport and a pastime, while the military authorities were training the Territorials and Cadets for efficiency on the battlefield. At the same time he would ask for co-operation; that at least could be done. “You must be prepared to put your hand in your pocket and make some little sacrifice,'’ he added, addressing the participants in the meeting. THE SHORT RIFLE.

EXTRA MATCH. (900yds). £l —Rflmn. D. Roots (Patea) 23 £1 —Rflmn. W. M. Holland (Ashburton) 23

A TEAMS MATCH NORTE v. SOUTH ISLAND. The South Islanders repeated their performamce of last year by defeating the North Island team in the twenty men aside match, fired in the morning under practically ideal conditions. The teams were selected by representatives of the two islands appointed fay the executive committee. The distances were 300, 500, and 600 yards, with seven shots at each distance. One sighting shot was permitted at eooh distance. Four targets were allotted to each team. The winning team from the South Island will hold the Dawson Shield for another year. Their total was 1923 as against the Northerners 1908. The best scores obtained for the winners were those of F. Clark (34 35 32—101), and L. Pask (33 34 34—101), whale Captain Masefield (Keberangu) compiled 98 (34 33 31). Another (Lieut. W. Duncan), who comes from the West Ooast) registered 100 (34 35 31). Others who shot well were A. R. Barber, H. Reynolds, W. 8. Mills, I. A. Blackwood, and H. Cromie. For the North Island team the best score returned was that of 102, compiled' by H. Hunt, of the Suburbs club (35 34 33). It was the best individual total of the match. Another excellent score was that of D. Roots, the former Belt holder from Patea, who made 101 (35 34 32). F. J. Soter, of Wanganui contributed 99, as did also Captain A. Neilsen, of Napier The latter’s club-mate, Rifleman F. H. James compiled 98. Good performances were put up by W. J. Green, HV. Oroxton, H. T. Boon, W. K. Williams, and T. Qrr. Last year’s champion, Rifleman Loveday made 91. AN OLD SHOT HEALTH AN ESSENTIAL. There was a large gathering of prominent marksmen at the official prizegiving, among the number being Mr E. R. King, of Wellington, who is over 90 years of age. Mr King who had the honour of a presentation to Lady Rhodes, and also to the Defence Minister, has been a visitor to the Trentbam gathering for many years past. He was keenly interested in the final. He believes that one of the essentials for a good shot, is that he should preserve his health in every way possible, and when confiding as much bo the “Times” correspondent, said no man could achieve championship form unless he lived a clean life. THE AMMUNITION. There were very few complaints regarding the standard of the ammunition, Used during the meeting, the majority of the competitors being more than satisfied with it Although about twice the number of entries were received for the New Zealand Army meeting held the previous week to the just concluded National Association’s gathering, more ammunition was used for the latter. Some 67,000 rounds were filed at Trentham last week. This meant an increase of about 4000 rounds over the Army meeting, despite almost double the number of competitors being present at the former gathering. EXTRA MATCH. An extra match at 900 yards was fired duiing the course of the morning under splendid conditions. The winner proved to be the ex-champion, Rifleman Roots, of Patea, with 23. The same score was also compiled hy Rifleman W. M. Holland, of Ashburton. Both competitors took £l. THE DAWSON SHIELD WON BY SOUTHERN TEAM THE NORTH v. SOUTH ISLAND MATCH. The scores in the Dawson Shield match between tho North, and South Islands team match, fired in the'morning, were: SOUTH ISLAND (Winners).

* 900 500 600 yds yds yds Tl. R. J. Gillick .... 3* 33 30 — 97 W. S Mills .... 33 32 28 — 92 W. E. McKeieh . 32 32 32 — 96 I. A. Blackwood 34 34 29 — 97 iE. P. Sandford 31 33 32 — 96 H. Cromie 32 — 97 D. P. Weir 32 — »1 F. Clark 32 — 101 W. N. Masefield 31 — 98 D. J. Anderson . 38 — 96 X/. JL'ask 33 34 34 — 101 A- R. Barker .... 33 — 97 (R. Piper 35 32 27 — 94 P. W. Evans .... 32 33 32 — 97 H. Harris ■ 30 35 28 — 93 H. Reynolds .... ,33 34 80 — 97 W.' J. Green .... 34 34 28 — 96 W. Duncan 34 35 31 — 100 G. Petersen 32 34 27 — 93 P. Robertson 31 33 30 — 94 Grand Total * 1923 NORTH ISLAND. . . 300 500 600 yds. yds yds Tl. F. H. James .... 33 — 98 A. Neil sen 33 • 33 38 — 99 L. Loveday 29 — 91 JI. Connor 31 — 93 H. Hunt 33 — 102 R. E. Hester .... 38 30 80 — 93 W. H.. Ballinger 27 — 91 W. Grfeen 32 33 32 — 97 H. V. Croxton . 30 — 96 31 34 81 — 96 L. A. Caldwell 30 — 93 H. H. Mawley .... .. 82 38 80 - 95 C. J. Nix 34 31 29 — 94 W. K. Williams . 32 — 96 G. G. Ashley .... 28 — 93 T. Orr 31 — 95 8. Elliott 32 30 29 — 91 R. C. Barkle .... 33 32 30 — 95 D. Roots 32 — 101 F. J. Soler 35 34 30 — 99 Grand total .