THE RIFLE CHALLENGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1029, 19 August 1871, Page 3

THE RIFLE CHALLENGE.

appears a letter from ''* A Thames Volunteer," which he says is in reply to my challenge. It certainly refers to it, but I fail to see the reply. HoAvever, although I have already been sufficiently explicit on the subject of conditions, I wish to leaA'e nothing in doubt. I therefore repeat that in all things throughout the match I submit to the regulations in force in the international and intercolonial matches. What more can I say.' "T. V." might haA T e spared Ime the suspicion of mechanical rests, or other unsportsmanlike trickery. If "T. V. " doubts my being in eai'iicst let him post his money, and he -will ascertain whether or not I mean business. Captain Wales, " T.V. ," or whoever may accept, will certainly haA r e choice of weapons, and so shall I ; each shall choose what suits him. "T.V." Avill pardon me if I hold my i own opinion about the effect of the pre- 1 liminary practice he prescribes ; but if he should get his "ten men" together, I deal with him on his own terms. I beg that any farther correspondence on this subject be made through Captain Murray, Thames Scottish Volunteers. — 1 am, &c, J. W. Walker. Graliamstown, Jnry 29, 1871.

The folloAving letters regarding Mr J. W. Walker's challenge, appear in the Thames Advertiser of recent dates :—: —

Sir — In reply to Mr J. \Y*. Walker's challenge to Captain Wales, champion of New Zealand, or any other man in New Zealand, I beg to state that if Mr Walker means business he ought to be a little more e\i (licit as to whether Wimbledon rules and regulations are to be adhered to. At the National Rifle Association prize-firing, competitors open to small-bore or any description of rifle have rules expressly for such, A'iz. : Minimum pull of trigger, 21bs ; no magnifying I sights, plummet gauge, or artificial rest allowed ; weight of rifles not exceeding lOlbs. Noav, Mr Walker may have a rifie 141b or lulbs weight, with a mechanical rest and other appliances that are disallowed at the national riiie prizefiring ; or it might be v>ce versa, Captain Wales or any other man, which would giA r e a decided superiority over the one having a rifie under tOlbs, minus magnifying sights, &c. But as the challenge is Avorded, Captain Wales may consider he has the choice of weapons. I understand Mr Walker challenged ten of the Thames Volunteers to shoot for five pounds a-side. 1 shall be very glad to make one of ten to fire against Mr Walker — Government rules of course. Mr Walker Avill be none the worse to have .some practice a\ ith the local cracks before encountering higher game ; indeed, he will find some hard nuts to crack. You AV r ill oblige by inserting the above. — I am, «Src, A Thames Volunteeb. Sir — In your issue of this morning