THE COLONIAL PRIZE FIRING.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XVII, Issue 2388, 24 March 1874, Page 2

THE COLONIAL PRIZE FIRING.

We have received some late Napier papers containing accounts of the shooting on the first two days of the Colonial Kifle Match. The reports however, are very meagre, being little more than the scores made.

The shooting commenced on Saturday morning, the 14th, at Greenmeadows. In accordance with instructions received from the Hon. the Defence Minister, it had been postponed from the previous Wednesday to afford the representatives an opportunity of attending the races on Thursday and Friday. It is to be regretted, says the 'Herald,' that the. weather last week was so unfavorable for camp life, although it must be admitted that the late refreshing rains were greatiy needed, and will be productive of much good to the province. The heavy showera which fell on Friday night rendered it. very doubtful as to whether the range would be in a fit state to commence operations at daylight next morning, especially as the first match to be fired was the Judging Distance. About nine o'clock, however, a commencement was made, and the shooting tvas continued until 3 p.m., when, the weather again becoming very inclement, with continuous rain, it was deemed advisable to postpone it until 6 a^m. on Monday. His Excellency Sir James Fergusson and suite arrived at the camp about 4 o'clock on Saturday, and, accompanied by Major Gordon. the Governor personally inspected the vai-ious camp arrangements, messroom, &c, the vice-regal party remaining about half-an-hour

The weather for the second day's shooting was more favorable than on the openings day, and a commencement was made about half-past 6 o'clock with the 2nd Cavalry Mateh > but iv the afternoon the wind was continually changing, which caused a number of misses at the 600 yards range in the shooting in the Infantry Match.