TO THE EDITOR OF THE INDEPENDENT.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3927, 15 October 1873, Page 3

TO THE EDITOR OF THE INDEPENDENT.

Sir, — You will pardon me if I should trouble yon with a few lines on the choice of representatives for New Zealand at the "meeting of the Victorian Rifle Association at Melbourne. The remarks in this evening's "Post" are anything but complimentary to the rest of the Volunteers in town, except the few who have attained the locus standi of marksmen. The would-be judges of our rifle shots are like the old general who would not part with his flint lock for any such invention as the English rifle. It does not follow that because Mr M'Credie and Mr Halse are good shots any of our average shots are never to rise to the surface. I would ask what did Mr Halse do on the two occasions that he represented Wellington, or Mr M'Credie at Nelson in the all comers' matches? Any- of our average shots could have done as well as they did, and perhaps better. The course the committee has adopted is the best, if they would make it three day's firing instead -of one, and take the average of points made by each man. This course would satisfy the subscribers and enable the committee to judge who are the men to send as representatives. Besides, Mr Editor, I don't think that either Mr' Hake or Mr Gray are eligible to go as such, not being members of any volunteer company. — I am, &c, Volunteer.