RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6127, 14 March 1898, Page 1

RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

AXNUAL MEETING. [Phr Press Association^ OAMAEU, March 12. One hundred and eighty-six entries have been received for the Rifle Association's meeting, which is some twenty odd in advance of the number received for the last jneetmg ; but of the total number about a score have entered for only one match. The match for ladies is looked forward to with considerable interest, and it is expected that thirteen will tako part. The case of ammunition reported to have been stolen has turned up safely,' having been stored separately by the Bail way l)e---partin ent as a means of precaution to the public- as the case was marked " shot and shell." Twenty-five targets will be used at the meeting, and the marking will bo undertaken by members of the Permanent Artillery from Lyttelton and Dnnedin, whose services have been generously placed at the disposal of the Association by theDefence Department. The only persons in camp are the Permanent Force, but thirty tents have been erected for the use of competitors during the meetiug, and the catering arrangements for all the competitors have been completed. Major Sommerville, as usual, will have general charge of the arrangements j Major Headland will represent the Defence Department; Major Collins, of Wellington, will have charge of the Touncil tents, assisted by Messrs T. Davis, D. Fox and G. fiaggot, his former associates ; and Captain Lomax will, for the tenth year, act as range officer. * The officer in charge of the Telegraph Department has arranged for a bicycle service from the range to the town for the carriage of telegrams, and theie is but little doubt that the service will be as successful as it was when the Federal Rifle Shooting Meeting was held here in 1896. All that is wanted to ensure the success of the 1898 meeting is fine weather, and at present the elements are none too promising. To-day is fine, though the appearances are that rain is hanging about. The first shot will not be fired before 10 a.m. to-morrow.