RIFLE SHOOTING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24254, 23 March 1940, Page 17

RIFLE SHOOTING

ANNUAL PRIZE FIRING DIFFICULT CONDITIONS The sixty-sixth annual prize firing of the Otago Rifle Association was commenced on the Pelicht Bay range yesterday under adverse conditions, especially in the morning, when therewas a heavy southerly wind. Rifleman R. Bruce, on behalf of Colonel E. R. Smith, welcomed the competitors and thanked them for their attendance under such conditions The total entry was much lower than in previous years, only 125 competitors going to the firing ' mound. Among these were two women competitorsMrs J. B. Doake, of Invercargill, and Mrs P. W. Mcßride, of Mossburn.

The wind was especially troublesome at 300 yards and some very low scores were registered. The match was won by Rifleman S. Robertson (Clinton) with a total of 48. He was closely followed by Rifleman J. L. Benfell (Dunedin) with the same total.

Owing to the small entry and the fact that the programme was based on 140 entries a reduction in the prize mone> was necessary. £24 beine deducted from the list. This is the first time for many years that the association has had to reduce prize money. The small entry was mainly due to the increased cost of entry owing to the high price of ammunition, the petrol restrictions and the weather. The wind was still blowing very hard when the 500 yards match was commenced, though the light was much better. As the match progressed the conditions improved. This match was won by Rifleman N. J. Heney (Rangiora) with a possible (50). Rifleman G. H. Smith (Dunedin) was second with 49 points. The scoring in this match was very different from that in the same match of last year, when ninepossibles were registered and only eight 48's gained a place on the prize list.

The Central Otago Match at 600 yards was opened in a boisterous wind. This, coupled with a changing light, made conditions very difficult. During the progress of the match heavy rain showers made matters still worse for the marksmen. This match was won by a B Grade shot, Rifleman J. E. Healy (Mossburn) with a possible (50)—a very good performance considering the conditions. President W. McChesnev (City Guards) was second with 48.

Matches will be held over the same ranges to-day, after which the championship series will conclude with the King's Prize, open only to the 17 highest aggregate scorers. This match will be fired at 600 yards. Results:—

* Southland Match (10 shots, 2 optional sighter, at 300yds) A Grade.—S. Robertson (Clinton), 48, £2; J. L. Benfell (Dunedin) 48, £1 10s; E. M. Healy (Timaru) 48, £1; W. Malcolm (Timaru) 48, M. Healy (Timaru) 47, S. G. Sharman (Geraldine) 47, H. Cromie (Ashburton) 47, 15s; D. Ashley (West Taieri) 47, T. Duncan (Ashburton) 47, C. Kibblewhite (Tapanui) 47, E. R. Truman (Christchurch) 47, P. R. Mallon (Gore) 47, F. J. Black (Timaru) 47, C. Thorn (Sydenham) 47, A. Ford (City Guards) 47. H. Butel (Kiwi) 47. H. W. Brookes (West Taieri) 46, C. J. Gamble (Dunedin) 46, P. W. Mcßride (Mossburn) 46. R. G. Anderson (Kaitangata) 46, A. R. Wills (<lnvercargill) 46, R. Mullenger (Dunedin) 46, D. McKenzie (Christchurch) 46, H. J. Whitehead (Kiwi) 46, P. Robertson (Christchurch) 46, Mrs P. W. Mcßride (Mossburn) 46, W. Milley (Invercargill) 46, G. H. Smith (Dunedin) 46, John Watters (Culverden) 46, P. Fennessy (Kiwi) 46. G. Duthie (Mataura) 46, 10s. Counted out: George Crimp (Christchurch) 46. B Grade.—G. Adams (Kiwi) 46, D. Wishart (City Guards) 45. A. G. Passmore (Otago Boys' High School) 45, T. R. Healy (Mossburn) 45, P. W. Finlayson (Edievale) 45, A. J. Crossan (Waikouaiti) 45, V. Hornby (Gore) 45, W. G. Smith (Oamaru) 45, B. B. Ward (Waikouaiti) 45, J. Thomson (Kiwi) 44, P. F. Hay (Gore) 44, 10s. Counted out: J. M. Smith (Timaru). A. Washbourne (Christchurch). J. M. Healy (Timaru), P. Morgan (Christchurch). L. Wilson (City Guards). D. Harries (Christchurch), R. L. McLatchie (Oamaru), all 44.