N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIII, Issue 15000, 31 January 1899, Page 3

N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

I MEETING OF CITIZENS. In response to the Major's invitation, it meeting of those willing to assist in provi,l ding or collecting funds for a " Citizens' .. Match "at the forthcoming meeting of the N.Z.K.A., tit Wanganui, was held at the Borough Council Chambers lust evening, tho Mayor (Arr. A. Hatrick) presiding. After Mr. Hatrick had briefly explained the object for which the meeting had been . called, he expressed the hojie that those interested would put their shoulders to the . wheel and do their best towards raising the . requisite amount. He felt sure that our townspeople would subscribe liberally. , They always did so when called upon, and in that respect Wanganni was second to no other town in the colony. Wanganui was honoured by the number of championship meetings which were allotted to it. During the last few months they had had the championship meeting of the N.Z. Amateur Athletic and Cycling Association and the Bowling Championship, and now they , were to have the RiDe Championship. It was, no doubt, a great strain on townspeople to have to put their hands in their pockets for all these things, but on the other hand they must remember that they I meant at least an indirect benefit to the place. *" | Major Sommervilie reported that he had done all that he could to obtain a really good range close to town, and he believed he had succeeded in obtaining one at Putiki, concerning which he intended making final arrangements next day. From all he could learn, the forthcoming meeting promises to be one of the largest held for many years. Already five ladies had signified their intention of competing in the Ladies' Mateh — three from Oamaru and two from Masterton, while several others also contemplated taking part at the meeting. He estimated that there would be 270 visiting competitors at the meeting. Major Sommervilie, before concluding, stated that both Captain Hughes and Mr. T. D. Cummins, who were unable to be present ut the meeting, had expressed their intention of doing all they could towards helping to ensure the success of the meeting. ln reply to Mr. Gilbert Carson, Major Sommervilie stated that the sum required for the match would be £120, while the | cost of putting the range he hoped to get in order would only mean £20 or £25, so that £140 or £150 would be ample. The matter of altering the date had not yet been finally settled, but so far the replies he had received from members of the Council to the request of the Auckland Volunteers were all to the effect that it would be a good thing to put off the meeting until after the Wanganui races, in March. Captain Jas. Watt said that all they had to do was to set up a committee to canvas, and this was at once proceeded with, canvassers being appointed for the dilferent blocks.. Major Watt and Councillor Gatenby, who were present, but who were unable to remain, stated that they were rnerjareel to take their part in the work of canvassing. A committee was appointed to deal with any questions which may arise in the meantime, Major Purnell being appointed Secrctury.