GAME VERSUS TARGET.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1495, 8 February 1861, Page 5

GAME VERSUS TARGET.

{To the Editor of the Wellington Independent.)

Sir, — I perceive that the General Government have intimated that the sum of £300 will be distributed in prizes, with the view to encourage the use of the Rifle in this Province.

Tho distribution of prizes is doubtless the readiest means at the command of the Government, by which to promote an immediate interest in Rifle Shooting ; but unless the Government are prepared to continue the practice of distributing prizes at short intervals, Rifle Shooting wiljjSoon lapse in the absence of auy permanent stimulus; for Target shooting without any ulterior object thau that of hitting the bull's eye, is too tame an amusement to secure mauy very persevering adherents. A sum equal to that about to be distributed in prizes, if devoted to the introduction of Deer and Kangaroo, would, in a few years, (with the protection of game laws) so stock our Proviuce with game, as to afford a delightful and healthful source of amusement to every oue williug to carry a rifle, and an abundant guarantee for its geueral aud constant use. Deer aud Kangaroo are plentiful iv Australia, and there aie gentlemen here, having friends iv Australia, in a position, and ready to afford their assistance should proper action be taken ia the matter by this Province.

In Victoria where thero is a considerable variety of indigenous game, the Government have given liberal aid to the introduction of English game

This country is entirely destitute of game yet admirably adapted for its propagation, while its absence is much deplored by all sportsmen, and is a serious loss to the rising generation, our young men devoting many hours tonobbleiising and cigars which would be more rationally and healthfully employed in stalking a deer or beating a copse for Pheasant. I do not kuow a way in which our Provincial Government could, by the expenditure ofa small sum of money, confer so large aud permanent a benefit upon the community as by the introduction of game. Your's truly, Enfield.