THE NEW ZEALAND EIFLE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3263, 12 March 1885, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND EIFLE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING.

(By Teikgbaph.) Wellington, March 11. At the range to-day there was a good deal of confusion as to the squadding of the men, owing to the staff being shorthanded. The -weather was very fine, but, if anything, too bright. The Hawke's Bay match was completed at 11 30 this morning, Lucas, of the Thames Bangers, proving the winner, with the fine scoro of 93 out of a possible 100. Particulars of the match are as follows : — The Hawxe's Bat Match, to count for the Bifle or Carbine Belt3 j 200 and 600 yards ; ten shots at each distance ; open to all members of the Association ; Snider rifles or carbines to be used ; seventeen prizes, as fo lows : One prize of £10, one of £7, one of £6, one of £5, one of £4, two of £3, two of £2, and eight of £1. Lucas, Thames 93 Howe, Wellington 88 Churton, Wanganui 87 Bentley, Masterton ■.. 86 Summer, Masterton ... ... ... 85 Newdick, Thames 84 Sherwood, Christchurch ... ... ... 84 Howell, Taranaki ... 84 Jeffreys, Christchurch 84 Hutchison, Dunedin ... ... ... 84 Wratt, Waimea 84 Taylor, Auckland 83 Leevera, Wellington 83 Giblin, Nelson 82 Jack, Dunedin 82 Badger, Greymouth .. 81 Henderson (Auckland), Turner (Wellington), BalliDger (Wellington), and Jones (Waikari) were counted out. The third match (Auckland) is not yet completed. The ranges are 200, 300 and 500 yards ; seven shots at each distance ; open to all members of the Association ; to count for each belt. The following are the highest scorers that have finished : — Lieut. O'Key, Taranaki Eifles 86 Private Churton, Wanganui Eifles ... 84 J. P. Bouse, civilian ... ... ... 83 Gunner Wataon, Port Chalmers Artillery 82 Sergeant Greenfield, Oamaru Artillery ... 81 Private W. Soper, Spring Creek Eifles ... 81 Private Thomas, Thames Bangers ... 81 Qr.-Master Scott, Wellington Artillery... 80 Private Lucas, Thames Rangera ... 80 Private Cooper, Auckland Rifles ... 80 Warrant Officer Davy' Wellington Navals 80 About half the n in have yet to complete the 300 yards, and some of them are •well up. Of those who have finished the first two matches counting for the belts the following are the five highest aggregates : — EIFLES. Lucas, Thames ... ... 173 Churton, Wanganui 171 Kummer, Masterton ... ... ... 164 Bentley, Masterton : ... 162 Cooper, Auckland ! ... ' 159 CABBINES. Watson, Port Chalmers Artillery ... 161 Scott, Wellington Artillery 159 Davey, Wellington Navals ... ... 158 Greenfield, Oamaru Artillery 152 Perry, Alexandra Cavalry ... ... 151 Should the weather continue fine, it is hoped to have the championship decided on Saturday afternoon. The next match is the Marlborough Match, 500 and 600 yards, open only to Bifle Volunteers members of the Association, and to count for the Bifle Belt. It will be commenced in the morning. A handsome silver tea and coffee service, valued at seventeen guineas, subscribed by Wellington ladies, has been made the first prize in the Otago match, and the published first prize will be the second, thus making 26 prizes in the match.