Miniature Rifle Club

Shortly after the beginning of World War II, on account of the shortage of .303 ammunition, the Defence Rifle Club, competing for the Haslam Shield in New Zealand University competitions, ceased temporarily to exist.

At the end of 1944, shooting enthusiasts attempted to initiate miniature rifles in the activities of the college. The response was so ready that at the beginning of 1945 the club was affiliated in the Students' Association.

From the outset, shortage of equipment and ammunition has had a detrimental effect on the development of the club. However, to arouse enthusiasm it was fortunate that temporary use of the Wellington Boys' College range and sufficient rifles to cover requirements were secured. Thus a series of practices were held, from which a team was selected to represent the college in the 1945 Easter Tournament, though with little competition success.

Later, purchase of two standard B.S.A. target rifles was made which, though not sufficient to cover club needs, have been used successfully by the club in general practices. For these the Buckle Street indoor range of 25 yards was hired and practices are run every Tuesday evening.

Two teams have been entered in the local association competitions, though the competition results of this move are as yet indefinite.

It is hoped that during the N Z.U. Winter Tournament a team will compete with teams from the other colleges, probably for a small trophy, this being a step in the direction of giving miniature rifle competition a footing in the N.Z.U. Winter Tournament. Such a competition will become a fact at a later date when the Haslam Shield competition is reinstated, this being probably some period after the cessation of hostilities.