DUNEDIN CLAY PIGEON CLUB;

Otago Witness, Issue 2203, 21 May 1896, Page 23

DUNEDIN CLAY PIGEON CLUB;

The first of a series of handicaps for trophtes commenced on Saturday afternoon, there being 14 competitor*. Tine shooting was not quita up to the average, the reason being tnat every shooter was handicapped accordiag to rale, the handicap being framed upon the aotual coorea made since shooting in the last handicap. Afc all the practice* members have been in the habit of firing from. any distance they chose, »nd many were much surprised at the-dißtancs assigned to them by the Handicapping Committee. The following were tbe principal scores for tbe 15 shots :— Mr W. Scott, 11yds. 11; MrJ. Davis, 12yd<, 10; Mr F. W. Hawkins, 13yda, 9 ; Mr A. Cowio, 13yds, 7 ; Mr A. M'Carthy, Hyde, 7. The last shooter at- th<3 score — Mr Davii — was very unfortunate,* as th« light wss failing very fast, and this cotnplttsly spoilt his chance of making the highest score for the day. Great improvements have been made during the past week, a shooting stand having been . prepared, which, cooameuoing at 9/ds (tie limit) and extending back to the barrier, is divided at distances of one yard e.;ch, accurately measured. Tha spaces are filled with sand, thus making good shooting ground. The apparatus for releasing the clay pigeons has also been much improved, so that with it the interval betwesn the word "Pull " being given by the marksman aad the target being released is ocarcsly noticeable. The traps have also been fixed in a better manner. The stands are now arranged according to the strict rales — in the segment of a circle at a radius of 18yds, for five traps, 3yds apart. The club at present are only in possession of three, but the remainder are expected daily, and on their coming to hand they will be used regularly. The contributions towards the fund for building a pavilion are coming in freely, aad it is expected that ia a few weeks the building will be ready for use. One member feas promised to give it a honsa warming, and a lady has been so good as to promise to make afternoon tea for those who like to pay a visit on the occasion. Ladiei are beginning to take an interest in the sport;, several being present to witne«s the proceedings on Saturday, and when facilities are on the ground to render their visits mere enjoyable doubtless there will be larger attendances. The second round of the handicap will be shot oa Saturday, May 30, and the final on June 6. A second trophy will be shot for on June 13, 20, 27, for which fresh handicaps will be made.