The Waikato Times. THURSDAY, JULY 4, 1872.

Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 28, 4 July 1872, Page 2

The Waikato Times. THURSDAY, JULY 4, 1872.

Wk arc glrnl to leiirn that, an effort is being made lo form n liiflc Association for tho Wuikalo. The exertions of those wlio have Inkeu the mailer in hand should be aided by (he settlers. 11 if important- in an out-settle-ment like the Waikato that every man should be familiar with the ride, and, if possible), a good shot ; not that we have any reason to believe we shall be called upon to put our rides In any other use than that of' friendly contest at the target, yet the surest means of maintaining peace is lo be prepared for war. J> iHe-shooling has oilier advantages than those which directly appertain to it. It Inula young men amusement, and often when thev \vould otherwise bo in a public-house three or four start oil' to the nearest target for a friendly match. Nothing has so much ccnuluced to the bringing together of the different classes iu the old country as the rille. Men, by its means, have learned to r ppi eca tc each other s good and bad (jualitics. The upper classes have found that, theic aie many virtues in the classes below them, and the lower grades of society have been improved in tone from having been brought in contact with those above them as regards education and social position. Amusement ot any kind is scarce in a country district alter work is o\cx, ot on those days set apart for public holiday, and ~uy institution which luids healthy recreation lor the people should most certainly be looked liron in the light ul a public bcnofit. - ' We trust that the undertaking will receive the support from the settlers that it merits, jul we cannot better urge the advantage an Association of the kind will be to the district than iu the words of a circular which has been printed for distribution. It is as follows : <• a ur.mhev of gentlemen in this locality, desirous of promoting rille-shooting and of fostering ami e: ■ ceuraging tho Volunteer movement in the Y\ aikato 1 district generally, propose with that view to form themselves into an association, to be called ' The Waikato Rille Association.' They have requested me to invito yourco-operation andassistance b\ using wbat influence you possess in your diStiict in inducing gentlemen to join and support the movement. " It is suggested that an advertisement he inserted In the Waikato Times, calling a general meeting, to bo held at Ohaupo at an early date. At that meeting the Association may be formed and general rules and bye-laws adopted. _ j " It is proposed to have oue Central Committee for the management of the iinaneial and other affairs of the Association, and in each division of the district sub-committees to superintend and carry out matters of detail. t •• By this arrangement a general match could be ! tired, each party tiring at their own range, the loss j ot' valuable time and money, expended iu travelling j

In y. distant i a would ilniM be obviated, Tfe® Association b':ing of a genera! character, prize ß mi'dit bo offered worth competing )or. I have reason to believo that it ::» the intention of'the Goj ■'••nni!'";:. to provide targets ior each range throughj (.'it. tin- district, as w«-.1l as a moderate supply of J ammunition iVoe lo associations audi as is here in- ■ di'-at'."', " Afiiliati >n might ha effected with the Auckland i.'iflc Association, or oven with similar bodies ill Australia and Kugland. I shall bo glad to receive (roiii you a list oi gentlemen in your locality willing to join f ii'i Association, or in any way to aid and assist the movement. Jamks M'T'iirnsoN", "ISec. pro. tern."