MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19628, 24 October 1933, Page 3

MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING.

To tile Editor of " The Tlmani Herald " Sir, —I would like to ask space for a fuller and clearer explanation of a letter written by “Sighter" about a young rifle shot, after being picked, failing to shoot in the Timaru-Oamaru-Waimate triangular match, and through this being disqualified from shooting in this team for three years. As I am very interested in this team, X should be loathe to think that this is so, for if, as it is anticipated, the best ten men are picked yearly for this match, it is ridiculous and casts reflections on the selectors, for in this case one of our best and most promising young shots is ruled out. I also would like to know what authority they have to inflict such a penalty. Now, I would like also to know what punishment they meted out to themselves for they are guilty in an equal degree. Perhaps that is a reason for their dumb reply, for after officially picking the A team they cancelled one man only, about four hours before the match, so what excuse is there for handing out such extraordinary punishment in a sporting sphere? Was it because of being defeated, seemingly through hasty, bungled last minute alterations, that they turned wrathful and found fault and made Mr C. B. Blackwood the scapegoat. I feel sure if Timaru had won there would have been no disqualification. If all is as rumoured, and this is allowed to go on, the representative team will soon comprise a select few, possibly a second class team, Instead of the first class team which is always available; they would damp the enthusiastic interest which has culminated after years of honest selfdenial of former and present shooters. I do not think the selectors were over proud of the scores registered by their replacements, as they dropped eleven points between them when they only wanted three points to win. It is no wonder they whipped the cat. Of course, I do not blame the shooters for their scores. Once a man is picked he is obliged to do his best, and I have no doubt they did; but I am criticising the selectors or selector (I am told they have Herr Hitler among them) for not sticking to the more experienced and more reliable shots, and making sure before picking and officially publishing the names. It rather shows incompetence, having to change the teams round at the last minute. They are, I am sure, feeling like naughty boys, and I hope they have learned their lesson, for dissatisfaction is rife among a big majority of shooters, who generally wholeheartedly demand fair play.—l am, etc., MISTY OPTIC.