RIFLE SHOOTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9789, 4 March 1910, Page 3

RIFLE SHOOTING.

THE AUSTRALIAN BISLEY TEAM. United Press Association—By' Electric Telegraph—Copyright, (Received March 4, 11.10 a.m.) MELBOURNE, March 4. Victoria will be represented in the Hislcy team by Rescigh, Williams and Armstrong. The team will leave on May 14. Major I'aine will bo the capLain.

THE TRENTHAM MEETING. [Pkr Press Association.] TRENTHAM, .March 4. Last night saw all the arrangements completed for the opening of the- jubilee meeting at Trentham. hi «H 583 competitors had then entered, and there was every promise of fino weather, but at 5.30 this morning a drizzle began, with a light southerly breeze, making it uncomfortable for those about the ranges, but the competitors (Australians included) treated the matter, philosophically. At- 8.30 seventy-four squads of competitors lined up at the squadding posts, preparatory to commencing the Volunteer and Rifle Club matches at 200 yds, 500 yds and 600 yds. Colonel Collins, the chief executive officer, congratulated the Association on the large increase in the number of competitors, which constituted a record [or the dominion. He noted the fact that Australia, for the first time since 1896, had sent over a representative team, and amongst them were some of the very finest shots. He wished the competitors every success, and dismissed them to the 200 yds range, wherefiring began at 9 a.m. in the Volunteer and Rifle Club matches, which are being simultaneously shot. Captain King (Linwood) got away with tin; first shot, with which he got a bull. The shooting after that was very rapid but somewhat erratic, the drifting wind and drizzling rain upsetting the calculations of most of the competitors. A. Cutler, the crack Australian, made, only 29. The following scored possibles: —Marenzi (Eketahunai, Farley (Victoria), Stephenson (Rivcrsdale), Rider (Hastings) and Focke (Wellington). All-buts were made by Yates (Napier), King (Linwood), White (Chr'istchurch) and M'lvor (Wellington). The firing at the 200 yds ended in a driving drizzle. At the 500 yds range the green and brown target was used for the first time, and entirely upset the aiming of most of the competitors. Some, however, tackled it in good heart, and Smart (Wellington), G. Crimp (Green Island) and Bryan (Waiuku) scored possibles. Thorpe, the veteran shot of Wairoa. Birstow (Wairarapa), Patrick (Auckland), Rennell (To Wharau) and Masey (Karori) were among the " allbuts." The best score at the two ranges to date- is 67, put on by Yates (Napier). The match will not finish till well on in the afternoon. Captain King (Linwood) was leading at lunch at the two ranges, with 68, being 34 at each range. Firing at the range is still proceeding. The following made 67 at two ranges: —Masefield. Thorpe, King (Opaki), Kells, Marshall and F. Franklin. Patrick, Shaw, Rider and Head made 66. The 600 yds range was taken at 2.15 p.m. NOTES FROM THE RANGE. Our Correspondent.] TRENTHAM, March 4. All kinds of weather are being experienced, from rain to sunshine. The wind is varying, but is not Trentham's worst. At tho first range of the opening match, seven shots at 200 yds, Captain King (Linwood) and Lieutenant White (Cyclists) were the highest Canterbury marksmen, with 34 each. At tho second distance, 500 yd«, King made another 34, and became one of the leaders, with 68 out of 70. .. White added, 30. M'Kay (Christchurch Rifle Club) has 65, and Banks (Scargill) 65. A number of others are well tip. The last distance of the match, 600 yds, will be taken after lunch.