SOUTHLAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Southern Cross, Volume 8, Issue 35, 22 December 1900, Page 12

SOUTHLAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Of the many fixtures of the year, district, and otherwise, steadily kept in view and faithfully fulfilled by shooting men, the Boxing day meeting of the Southland Rifle Association is perhaps of the first importance, in consequence of the standing and honourable position attached to the team, and the individual fortunate enough to finish the day’s com petitions as premier in their respective classes, and being thereby entitled to hold for the ensuing twelve months, the Cups presented by the Caledonian Society and the Association —in sporting phrase, the blue riband of rifle enthusiasts. For various reasons competition on Wednesday next promises tc be very good, and a suitable day will provide the onlv accessory the committee require to furnish a successful gathering. For the information of many readers, I may state that the Caledonian Society’s Cup is competed for by teams of five from any Volunteer Corps or Rifle Club in Southland, ranges 200, 500, and 600 yards, seven shots, and the Association’s Champion Cup goes to tbe highest individual aggregate in the above with an additional 7 shots at 600 yards added. Both cups are held yearly, but may be won outright on the usual conditions. The day’s programme also includes a Last Try match of 10 shots at 500 yards, and an open match of 10 rounds at 700 yards. Last year eight teams entered. This year sees an increase of one team for the cup, with the prospect of a goodly number of extra marksmen from Dunedin and I our own district, unattached to corps. The teams entered are the Southland Mounted Rifles, City Guards, Oreti Rifles (A and B teams, Gore Rifles (A and B teams), Southland Rifle j Club (A and B teams), and Bluff 1 Rifle Club. The absence from the ! number of Wyndhara R.C. is' noticeJ able and unfortunate, while the S.M.R. and Gore B teams make their first bow. It only remains to say that shooting begins punctually at 18 a.m. on both ranges, and that shooters should waste no time at the firing point, but that is a matter that can safely.be left to the range officers appointed, Messrs Johnston and Lennie who know their duty thoroughly.