PORTOBELLO.

Otago Witness, Issue 1834, 14 January 1887, Page 17

PORTOBELLO.

Januaey 10.— We have had a fortnight of splendid weather here, which has enabled the settlers to secure the greater part of their hay crop, which is in most cases a pretty fair one and is much better than was expected. TLe quality is excellent ; indeed this has been the best season for hay that I have any recollection of for the past 20 years. We have had heavier crops, but never such fine weather to secure ifc. The heavy rain that fell on the fir&t of the month has helped the turnips (where sown), the mangels, and all root crops, and as a consequence thpy are looking well.

Rifle Shooting.— The first of a series of competitions was held by the Portobello Rifle Club, at the Papanui range on the Bth inst , a number of valuable prizes being competed for. These prizes consisted of a silver cup (presented by the Hon. Mr Larnach, M.H.R.), a silver tea and coffee service (given by the president of the club, Major John M'Cartney), a piece of silver plate (presented by the vice-president, Mr William Dickson, junior), and a piece of silver plate (given by the club). It was thought best to divide the company into two squads and also divide the prizes, so that Mr Larnach's and Major M'Cartuey's gifts should be allotted to the first squad and the other two prizes to the second oue. Members of the second squad had the choice of being entered in the first, but those of the first were not allowed to go" into the second. It was thought that this would prove more satisfactory than handicappiag. The ranges are three each day, and five shots at each ; th« five highest scorers at each competition in each squad to be " placed," and is credited with points ranging from five to the highest, to one to the lowest. Whoever counts 25 first takes first prize, and the second 25 second prize. The following is the scoring of the placed men on Saturday : — Ranges— 2oo, 400, and 500 yards. Five shots at each range. First Squad. Points Points. Gained. D. Dickson ... ... £2 5 W. Dicksou ... ... 33 i P. Ityau ... ... 52 - 3 J. G. Lewis ... ... 43 2 W. G. M'Cartney ... 30 1 Major M'Cartuey and J. P. M'Cartriey also made 39 points. • # Skcoxd Squad. T. Porfcerfield ..." ... 47 • 5 J. Duckmanton ... ... 42 i J. Dickson ... „, 40 :J A. DMtaon ... ... S6 2 A. Lewis ... ... 32 1 11. Cross also made 32 poiuts.