N.Z. Rifle Association Meeting.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4329, 1 March 1887, Page 2

N.Z. Rifle Association Meeting.

[By Telegraph.] Cheistohubch, Feb, 28. The weather throughout the day varied greatly. In the morning it was dull and threatening, with a light sontberly breeze, but at two o’clock the weather cleared up fine, and the wind veered to the N. 8., blowing rather fresh and tight through the range, and puzzling shootists. Towards evening the wind dropped and smart showers of rain fell, hot not sufficiently heavy to stop the shooting. The light also changed considerably. The catering |a very good, and equal to that at any previous meeting. Captain Sommerville has worked extremely bard in completing the arrangements, and well deserves the praise competitors heap on him. To Captain Collins, of Wellington, is left the official arrangements, and these arduous duties are carried out in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. During the afternoon, the camp was connected by telegraph,and to-morrow will be nsed by the Press representatives, of whom eight were present. The cheating today was quite equal to that on the opening days of former meetings. Corporal Hutchinson, who secured the first prize averaged inners, and his score of 56 is one point over the score which won this match last year. In fact the shooting of the prize winners was a point better throughout, as last year 49 took the prize, while to-day 60 was coanted out. Numerous complaints were made about ammunition, and in some instances with good cause. Gunner Williams of Wellington, and Lientenant Waters of Port Chalmers bad their breech block blown open, and their shots were registered as misses. In many other oases {aalty construction of the cartridge case was manifest, the rim being blown off and the case left in the barrel.

The following is the prize list of the only match concluded to-day—the Wellington match—2oo and 600 yards seven shots at each range ; open to all

members, bnt not connting for the belts:—

[The nnmber given last evening referred only to the scores gained at one range viz., 200yds.] Corporal Hutchinson,North Dunedin Rifles, £lO 56

Corporal McKenzie, Wellington Artillery, £7 55 Gunner Lutnsden, Auckland Artillery, £6 55 Corporal Lee, Victoria Rifles, Auckland, £5 55 Volunteer Simpson, Kaitangata Rifles, £5 ... ... ... 54 Lieutenant Hogg, Clntha Rifles £4 ... 64 Sergt. Kuchen, Wellington Artillery, £3 53 Corporal Williams, Napier Artillery, £3 53 Captain Lucas,Thames Rifle Rangers £3 53 Lieutenant Flyger, Wanganui City Rifles, £3 ... ... ... 52 Sergt. Parslow, Auckland Artillery, £2 52 Volunteer Farland,Sydenham Rifles, £2 52 Volunteer Carp, Eaiwarra Rifles, £2 ' 52 Captoin Cosgrove, Otepopo Rifles £2 52 Private W. Ballinger, Wellington Guards, £2 ... 52 Tbe following take£l each Mr Buckley, civilian 61 Lieutenant Ross, Napier 51 Mr Ferguson, civilian 50 Gunner Webster, Auckland Artillery ... 50 Corporal Lo veday, Wood ville Rifles 50 Lieutenant McDonald, Port Chalmers Navels 50 Volunteer Dalziell, Waikari Rifles 50 Sergeant Hogkinson, Auckland Artillery 50 Corporal Lavery, Christchurch Guards 50 Lieutenant Foster,Wanganui Rifles 50 Corporal Maddock, Blenheim Rifles was counted ont. Tbe marking and register keeping were very good. The Hawkee’ Bay match of 200 and 600 yards, ten shots, for all comers, and counting for both belts was commenced at six o’clock, but only a few men bad fired when the shooting ceased for tbe day.