N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 7327, 30 January 1891, Page 2

N.Z. RIFLE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING.

I (By Our Special Reporter). At the annual meeting of the Now Zealand Rifle Association, held in camp on Friday, 24th January, Captain Sommerrillo (chairman) complimented the Association on the number of competitors staying in camp, and invited a wide discussion on matters affecting the interests of rifle shooting. The position of the Association, he said, had not materially varied during the past year. The Government, from economioal reasons, had not been, able to assist them monetarily. He, however, hoped that the depression would soon give place to a better state of things. The ontries this year did not quite reach £600 j yet the sightingehots showed such an inorease that the meeting must be considered in every way a success, and they were undor no compliment to outside assistance. The Council for tho ensuing year were then elected. The question of a permanent range then came up, and notwithstanding that the citizens had always given great assistance to tho Association, tho expense incurred in moving about every year was fully £130. The citizens' contribution this ye&r, th» chairman believed, would cover the prizes in the Hawke's Bay Match ; but if the Association was to prosper, he thought it was essential that a permanent range and fittings should bo obtained as near to the capital as possible. Captain Griffiths moved that, in tho opinion of this Association, it was desirable that the meetings be held on a permanent range. He thought the locality should be as central as possible, so that the expense should not fall heavily upon competitors from a distance. Lieut. Foster seconded the motion. Captain Grifliths remarked that in Brightwater £25 per annum was paid for a permanent range. Sergeant Frodorie pointed out that the money thus saved could go towards tho erection of pavilions and other conveniences for competitors. Lieutenant Foster further pointed oat that the catering arrangements might be rendered more satisfactory on a permanent range, as a better guarantee could be given about the number staying in camp. Lieutenant Eales said that the Williamstown range was a OroWn grant vested in trustees from the Association. It was necessary that there should be a pavilion, and also, if possible, a ranger, who should have sole control and attend to the catering. He would like to Bee a permanent range in Wellington. Private Salek suggested that the Association should hold at least one meeting before deciding upon the proposed site. It was further remarked that because a permanent range at Brightwater had failed, that was no reason why it should fail again in a larger centre such as Wellington. Tho motion was thon put and carried unanimously. On tho motion of Private Salek seconded by Private Couchman it was decided that the selection of a range be left to the Council, with instructions to get one as near to Wellington as possible. An amendment, that the most suitable range without regard to locality should be selected, was lost. Tha motion was then carried. On the motion of Captain. Griffiths, seconded by Sergeant Remington, it was decided that the selection of the range bo lclt in the hands of tho Council. It was further resolved that the next meeting of tha N.Z. Rifle Association should take place in the first week of March next year. A long discussion ensued as to the position of rifle olubs in competing for tho championship, the chairman stating that nine out of twelve members of the council had declared themselves in favour of allowing members of rifle clubs to compete, but there was a feeling that this was not the correct thing,as there were two classes of rifle clubs— those which had taken the place of disbanded corps, and private olubs. Lieut. Ross moved that all rifle olubs bo allowed to compete for the championship and the belt, provided they had a membership of twenty and wear a proper uniform. Captain Grifliths was in favour of an amendment that the belt be competed for only by Volunteers, as it was originally given bj tho Government for that purpose. It was moreover suggested by Captain Reid that Volunteers had a greater claim upon the belt, by reason of the number of parades it was necessary for them to attend ia tho year. Ho thought that to allow rifle clubs to compete for the bolt would be the death blow to the espirit de corps of Volunteering. The amendment was put to the vote and declared lost." Captain Reid then moved a further amendment that only those clubs which are recognised by Government in accordance with tho Regulations of 1889, should b& permitted to compete. This was also lost, and the original motion was carried. Captain Sommerville stated that the sum of £25 had been subscribed by the competitors for the unfortunato marker Frederic, who had met with an accident in the trench. It was not certain y6t whether his second finger will have to be amputated. As to the suggestion that the meeting next year should commence on a Monday, the chairman drew attention to the difficulties which had to b 6 contended with by those who had the management of affairs. Lient. Eales, on bohalf of Mr Slonne and himself,then thanked the officers of the Association most sincerely for the courtesy and kindness extended to them. He thought it was marvellous, the improvement that had been made in the past twelve months by members of the N.Z.R.A.,and he considered \ the marking had been the most wonderful

he h&d over seen. He should bo very glad to return to Victoria with the hope of seeing n Now Zealand team over there next year. He bolieved that, w ith the exception of the Queen's Prize the whole o£ the mateheß would bo open to other colonies. A hearty roto ot thanks was accorded Mr Heilop for the usa of the beautiful range on his property, to which that gentleman appropriately and cordially responded, and the meeting closed with three hearty cheers for Ciptain Sommerville and the staff f officers.