RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEETING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7067, 20 January 1891, Page 3

RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEETING.

[Per Peebb Association.}

PUKETAPU, Jan. 20.

The weather is still very close, but this morning a cool breeze is blowing nearly across the range. This should not, however, have any effect on the shooting. On and after to-morrow the shooting commences at 7.30 a.m., and no match, except under very special circumstances, will be continued after five. In the event of disputed shots the marker of the target on which the shot is disputed, shall*, in the event of a protest not being entertained, receive lsj and if on the contrary, he will be fined le. The proposition with regard to sightingshots was considered by the Council last night, and it was decided to allow competitors to have the option of counting their Bighters in the score for the first match, and then submit the whole question again to competitors for their consideration. At this meeting the Rifle Cup, 1889-92, will be given to the highest scorer for the laßfeten shots in the Championship. The men paraded at 9.30 a.m., and, on arrival at the range, a hollow square was formed. The honour of firing the first shotwas conferred upon Mißs Heslop, daughter of the owner of the (land||on which the range is situated, Captain Sommervillesighting the weapon for her. The shot went a little to the right of the bull, and when the red disc appeared Misa Heslop was loudly cheered. Captain Sommerville then thanked her on behalf of the Association ; and Mr Healop, owner of the property, made a few remarks, extending A hearty welcome to the officers and men. He then declared the meeting open, and the Wellington match was proceeded with. Notwithstanding the early hour, there ■were a good number of visitors present at the opening ceremony. Captain Sommerville will himself be a competitor in the-. first half-dozen matches.

The following are the highest scorers 1a the Wellington Match, not counting for* Belt; 200, 500, and 600 yds; seven shots at each distance. Thamers Weir, Thatrei 34> Lavery, Chrißtchurch 84 Wakelin, Chrietchurch ... ... ... 84 Haultain, Auckland 8& Scott, Chriatchurch Pi Buchanan, Auckland 33Ballinger, Wellington 88 Bunting, Wellington , 32 M'Carthy, Onehunga 82 M'Callum, Auckland 82 Foster, Wanganui , 83 Kin?, Napier 82 Robs, Napier 82 Sloane, Viotoria ... 82" ! M'Carthy, Waikari ... .„. ... 82 Morrison, Dunedin 82 Burns, Wellington , ... 82 Francis, Wellington .'. 32 Earles, Victoria 29 Parelow 28 Williamß (the present champion) ... 25 The first range finished at 12.15, and & start will be made with the next about two o'clock. The total number of competitors is 197, so the prizes will all be paid in full. The wind is rising, and will prove diaagieeableduringthe afternoon. The 500 yds match is nnfin'shed. At 2.30 p.m. M'Callum (Auoklaud), Perry (Alexandra Cavalry), 34; Bunting (Wellington. Guards), 82, were leading for the Ranjps ; M'Callum was leading for the Wellington. Match,