DOMINION MARKSMEN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16075, 13 March 1923, Page 8

DOMINION MARKSMEN.

BUSY DAYS AT TRENTHAM

IPer Press Association.!

TRENTHAM, last night

Trentham to-day is assuming an air of activity reminiscent of war-time in some degree, but, fortunately, the cause of animation, is not stem preparation for service against a foreign foe, though the men and; youth of the country aro concentrating in camp with all the accoutrements of war. Their purpose is merely to pit each other one’s skill in markmanship against the other, as warriors in ancient days met during peace to see who- should! excel in, and wear the palm for perfection in, training. Last week, civilian riflemen monopolised 1 attention, shooting for the championship at the bulls-eye target. Tomorrow will see the opening of the inaugural meeting of the New Zealand Army Rifle Association championship meeting, at which the pick of the different districts will engage in a. series of service shooting matches, for which the principal award is the King’s medal, a newly-instituted prize to be fired! for in all the Dominions of the Empire. Not only is a keen eye needed for this test, but the men’s stamina will ako count in a large degree, as the practice to be carried out requires mens sana in coipore Sana. All matches will be conducted undter conditions approximating with those on the/ battlefield, and lie who wins will need, ’not only a steady eye, but must be sound in wind and limb to reach the coveted' goal, as the description of the succeeding day’s events will, no doubt, fully demonstrate. The entries, at present, number about 450, whereof 90 are cadets, 24 reserve forces and! riflemen, and the balance territorials from all parts of the Dominion.. Lt.-Col. W. H. L. Burgess in chief executive officer, and the secretary’s duties are carried! out by Ca.pt. A. E. Conway, of Headquarters, Wellington. Arrangements for the accommodation of all ranks are working out without hitch, and the daily routine promises to keep all well -employed', whilo full provision is made for everyone’s entertainment during the evenings. .

It is anticipated! that as the entries are so satisfactory—being considerably more than anticipated-—soma- additions to tbo prize list will be made. The weather this evening- is dull and! threatening, bub the portents are not regarded! with any misgiving by the local weather wiseacres. It is hoped l that when the competitors parade for the first event in the morning, the sun will once more rale, and l that, the meeting will have tjie same goodi fortune, mcteorogically, as. did’ the National Rifle Association last week.