N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7003, 1 March 1886, Page 2

N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

EIGHTH ANNUAL PRIZE MEETING. JPEB PRESS ASSOCIATION. J THIS D^T^. Wanganui, March 1. — The eighth annual meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association was commenced at Aramoho this morning. The range is pleasantly situated about three and a half miles from town, on Mr. Walker's property, and is approachable by either road or river. The number of competitors is, 211, about half of whom are camped at the" range, the remainder being billeted in town. The range is an excellent one, and the general opinion of those competing is that it is superior to that at Auckland, Wellington, or Dunedin. At a meeting of the Executive Council a few unimportant alterations have been made in the icgulations, and Captain Somerville, although unable to give a detailed statement of the finances, stated he expected tho meeting; would result in a credit balance of £100. . On Sunday night heavy rain set in, and the weather remains showery. Major Noako is in charge of the range, assisted by Majors Lockett and Neill and Lieut. Borlase. At a parade of the competitors, Major Noake addressed the men on the position of tho Association, which he said was being worked on an entirely different basis from previous years, and although the duties of the men would be light, strict military discipline would be observed. Tho hearty co-operation of all concerned was requested, and if given the success of the meeting would be assured. So far as he was able to ascertain, the arrangements made by the present controlling body left little to be desired. Shortly after 10 o'clock the Wellington match, 200 yds. and 500 yds., was commenced, and will be completed late this afternoon. The Wanganui Herald says :— Somo idea of the way in which things were managed under the N.Z.R.A. may be got from the fact that when the camp equipage came to be unpacked it was found that culinaiy utensils had been packed away with dirt and grease inside them. Basins were found rusted through the bottom, having been jammed in one aaother while wet. The council tent had been rolled up when wet, and on being opened out it was so rotten as to be completely useless. Captain Somerville wired to Colonel Whitmore for the loan of a marquee if there is one in the Government stores.