DEFENDERS

Observer, Volume XIV, Issue 792, 3 March 1894, Page 12

DEFENDERS

| BY NOBDENFELDT.J

The attention of volunteers is directed to ' District Orders ' appearing in th is issue.

The rifle range bore a deserted appearance on Saturday afternoon, only afew Snider men being 1 present.

Shootists were much, disappointed that Sevgt Rose was unable to go to Christchutch. His team will miss him sadly.

The site has been definitely fixed for the Easter Encampment, and Quartermaster Self is busying himself with the usual preparation.

The Ambulance Corps is making steady headway. I hear that the certificates of efficiency are shortly to be presented by his Excellency Lord Glasgow, at Government House.

The Government district medal is to>e fired for on March lOfch. A few of our reps, are eligible to fire, but as it is a Government fixture, they will lose their chance- Osborne should about win

Gunner Speight (Permanent Artillery) late of the ' A * Battery, is in town on a Bbort visit. Speight has greatly improved in physique since he enlisted. His many friends are glad to see him back again.

As I promised last week, I give a short description of the rifle team which is doing battle for us at Christchnreh to-day. As will be BeeD by the list the team is a powerful one. Home good performers, however, were unable to go, including P. Weir (Thameß Navals), W. Eose (City Rifles). A. Henderson, M. McOallum (' A ' Battery), J. Spinley (Ponsonby Navals), and McCarthy (late Victoria Rifles).

'a' battery reps

Sergt. James Parslow, G.M., a rep. of fifteen years standing, has twice won the New Zealand Belt besides being in the top ten on several occasions. Winner of numerous trophies and medals. In splendid form at present, and if he can cope with the 700 yards shonld ero near the belt.

Sebgt. Harry Doughty, G.M., won the belt at the first Trentham meeting in 1892, and has been shooting well with the Martini ever since. A splendid man for aggregate shooting, and likely to land good prizes.

Corporal J. Webster, a brilliant man at big meetings. Has been three times second for the N.Z. Belt within the last sixteen years, and in the ' A ' Battery champion team every time it won, and never when defeated. Aucklanders look upon Webster as a likely man for the Beit. Gunner Charles P. Taylor, a veteran rep. three times third for the N.Z Belt and frequently in the top ten. Has not done much shooting during the last two yeare, but has gone in for it again lately and sbown that he has lost none of his cunning. In my opinion the best man in the team, if not in New Zealand.

Wheeler Harky Head, a rep. of two years standing, a brilliant young shot, bat not a good aggregate man. Should be well up in the first three days shooting. Gunner W. Greenshields, another brilliant young shot, who is in great form at present. Has not done much in the past as a rep. but looked upon as one of the coming men.

Gunner J. Hatswell, another young shot ; first year as a rep. Not brilliant but should be well up in th^ aggregate. Bombardier Percy Beowke holder of the Battery Champion Belt (2 years) is a steady shot. He was the highest winner of the INeJV Zealand contingent which visited Sydney last October. Jf in good health shonld be well up and frequently in the prize list.

QUAfeTBR-MASTER SbBGEANT. FRED Kearsi-ey, a first year rep. *diohas never done much Martini shooting, but who occasionally makes brilliant scores with the Snider Carbine. Should be heard of in the Nursery Match.

Gunnek Dobbs, a young shot of great promifcp. First year. A likely man for the Nursery Match.

CITY RIFLES.

Lieut. W. B. White, G.M., an old Gordon shot. Has won the New Zealand Belt, and also been more than once in the top ten. .a. likely man to win a match or two.

Private Michael tobin, a steady old shot rep. since 1889, but has never done mnch an championship meetings. One of Auckland's best Snider shdts.

Corporal Cox, an old Gordon man. shoots fairly well, and should be heard of. Pbivate E. Doembr, second year as a rep. Has not had much practice, and oannot be expected to do much. Private J. Robertson, another young shot of promise. First year as a rep. Has been shooting well lately both with Mar? tint and Snider. VICTORIA. RIFLES. Private Theo. Faibs, the ' old hack ' of the team. A veteran rep. but more at home with the Snider, with which he has done splendid shooting. Pbivate W. Shepherd, a recent acquisition to the corps. Shot well at Napier in 1891, but has not done mnoh since. PONSONBT NAVALS. P.O. George Spinley. a brilliant shot ; third year as a rep. Should be well up in the aggregate. THAMES THAVAX.S. Seaman James Henderson, a steady young 8hot ; third year as a rep. Has put up good scores, especially at long ranges; and I believe will be a future champion. WHANGAREI RIFLE CLUB. Mr Steadman, a fairly good shot. Won the Nursery at Trentham last year, and should give a good account of himself.